'Rest' day

We fully intended today to be a quiet stroll around town with a gentle visit to one of the port houses on the south of the river. 

Ah well, best laid plans and all that!

We did start quietly with a lovely stroll around a garden to the west of the city centre. There were super views down to the river, peacock chicks (peachicks??) and blessed shade (another stonking hot and rather humid day).

We had then to retrace our steps eastwards along the river front, back to where we'd viewed the fireworks last night. There was plenty of evidence of partying - plastic cups, burnt out Chinese lanterns at various heights, fag ends, broken bottles - but also parties of street cleaners out doing their best. The heat beat down so we ducked into a cafe for some reviving pasteis de nata and iced coffee before heading over the Luis I  Bridge on its lower walkway to the quays on the opposite side. 

We were taken through the process of port production big boy style at one of the port houses (Cálem), a little different in terms of marketing ventures to the small production we saw yesterday at individual quintas in the Douro Valley but with suitably tasty outcomes!

S&D wanted to go up the hill behind for the view so we parted company and instead watched at ground level the annual boat race held between the dormy port houses. This was another inadvertent event we'd stumbled upon! Beautiful 'rabelo' boats, looking like rather large gondolas with their shallow keels and long rudders, sailing up from the estuary to the quayside with their different coloured sails. A sight to be enjoyed with a port cocktail in hand, so we did ;-)

We wanted to get up to the top level of the bridge and chose the lazy way via cable car. Terrific views up and down the river and no slogging to the top. Perfect!

We happened to meet S&D on the bridge so a compulsory family photo was in order and then we parted company. Chris and I visited the cathedral; all gilded East end and stern, plain nave. I find the bling too much but the nave was restful and calm, although we really didn't have time to linger, sadly. 

Back for our last meal out and a compulsory bar stop on the way home before the reality of packing tonight.