I’m back in Paris on my noisy street (at either end there’s construction work going on: drilling, hammering and a lot of dust … ugh!) In my head though I’m still on that beach. It’s nice to have a go-to place, a peaceful haven somewhere in the world to which you can escape, if not in body then in mind. I’ll be back, Praia da Barra! A few final photos:
I started off my vacation in Porto, a city I preferred over Lisbon. It’s smaller, more compact and intimate. Some great graffitti –
The bridge, spanning the Douro River, is on two levels. You can cross it on foot. This waterfront area is a “feel-good” place. You can take boat cruises, have a meal or a drink, or just stroll and feel the wind in your face. It’s in a part of the Old Town called Ribeira.
There’s something pleasantly ‘Old World’ about Portugal’s cities, something I had felt in Lisbon two years ago: a simpler life from a past era, yet totally modern and contemporary.
I can’t tell you how relaxing it was to stroll the city center in the sunshine and the wind. I took an old trolley car ride then alighted in this square and bought a necklace from a woman. During the lockdown, she told me, she made dozens of them.
In a shop, I bought a long black dress on sale. No, I didn’t buy the boots!
Juliet in Paris
Lovely photos, Juliet. Glad you didn’t buy those ridiculous, magnificent boots.
20 years younger, and I might have bought them, Beth! They are gorgeous, aren’t they?
Amazing photos… I can totally feel this old world vibe you so vividly described through the photos… so glad you took time out for beach shopping and sight seeing!
I had SUCH a good time. I’m glad too. I made the right decision to go to Portugal. Now it’s your turn!