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Porto, Portugal (Sept 27-Oct 11) Part I

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Porto is a beautiful city. From it's many beautiful tiled buildings to the old cobblestone streets and alleys..we loved every bit of it. This is Ponte Luis I. Porto is known for it's 6 bridges spanning the Douro River. This photo shows looking from Porto over to Vila Nova de Gaia. The bridge has the upper span with sidewalks and rails for the metro. The lower span is for walking and taxis. No private cars.It was designed by Théophile Seyrig. He was one of Gustave Eiffel's partners. You can recognize that in the metalworking. For a tourist, it allows easy access to both riverbanks. The Douro Valley is know for it's lush hillsides that produce the grapes for Port wine. Port wine can only be named "port" if it comes from this region .It's sweet, and high in alcohol..about 20%, due to the fermentation process they use. Douro Valley. Unfortunately our trip there was cancelled...this is a stock ...
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Porto, Sintra & Lisbon, Portugal (Oct 11-18) Part II

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Lisboa..such a beautiful city. The tiles continued, but more on the sidewalks and less on the buildings. Lisbon had a huge earthquake in 1775. It was the most destructive and deadly ones in history. 85% of Lisbon's buildings, palaces and museums were destroyed. The twisting narrow streets were replaced by broad avenues. The reconstruction was also one of the first uses of prefabricated buildings. June 17, 1665. The Battle of Montes Claros. It was the last major battle in The Portuguese Restoration War..and the most important battle in the country's history.  Beautiful sidewalks along Av de Liberdade..the main Lisbon drag. Not a cable car, but a funicular...to help with the San Francisco like hills. Santa Justa Lift for amazing Lisbon views. Basically a huge tourist trap. If you ever go, hit me up and I'll let you know how to get in the back way and see the sights..for free and without the hour wait! Vie...
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