Montemor o Velho and Oporto (Porto)
Hotel Mercure Porto Centro Praca da Batalha 116 Porto, 4049-028 Portugal +351-222-043300
http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-1975-mercure-porto-centro-hotel/index.shtml
This morning, we visit the Figueira da Foz salt pans, the oldest economic activity of Figueira. You will gain a new insight into one of the most precious substances in human history. Here you can learn about the history of salt, the evolution of the production of salt in Portugal and the salt pans of Figueira. Later on, continue to Montemor o Velho, where we enjoy an exclusive visit. Lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon we arrive in Oporto (Porto), the spectacular capital of Northern Portugal and a city famed for its nearby vineyards. Enjoy a highlight presentation before exploring the Casa da Musica. This twelve-storey, irregular-shaped building was designed by world-renowned architect Rem Koolhaas exclusively for musical performances. Dinner on your own. Take evening leisure stroll in Old Oporto near the hotel. We go to visit the Sao Bento train station. Walls in entry are clad with over 20,000 beautiful blue & white colored tiles.
My Observations
I don’t want to leave my ocean-front room – wah wah )-:
Before leaving, we have 2 more visits of a special nature. The local market. People are here for all good things to eat. Before even getting inside, can see people carrying out flowers to lay on graves for All Souls Day. First thing we smell is the seafood. If it was swimming anywhere near, it has been caught and is for sale in various forms of cleaning, prep or portions. Myself, I love walking through the fruit and vegetable areas when I can smell to fragrance from so much fresh produce.
A short drive away, is a chance to see how collection and preparation of sea salt was once the big financial focus of the area. In recent years, this has changed. We had a presentation on the history of salt from ocean to table. Very interesting.
As we visit the fort - Montemor o Velho, learn the sad story of being the wrong couple in love. From there, continue via bus to Oporto (Porto).
As we get in the city, see such a lovely place. First stop, the Casa da Musica (House of Music). Our guide told us of the many contradictions to a typical shoebox style building. The use of traditional tile and generous use of aluminum and glass also provide a style to attract visitors of classic and contemporary music venues. Wish we would have a chance to have sat in the main hall and heard some music play. Maybe another time.
From there, on to our new home. The Hotel Mercure is centrally located to walk to so many places. Some folks though think the many up and down streets is better traveled using bus or trolley. Maybe even the funicular. Yes, a “fun” way to reach the river front.
The view from our room is gorgeous. The Sao Bento (Saint Benedict) train station is directly below. We (Carol & I), will have 4 extra days here after many of our tour group leave to journey home.
Here are internet links for highlights:
Figueira da Foz salt pans http://www.esenviseu.net/Theimportanceofsalt.pdf
Montemor o Velho http://www.visitportugal.com.pt/montemor-o-velho
Oporto http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/755
Oporto UNESCO video http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/755/video
Casa da Musica http://www.oma.eu/projects/2005/casa-da-musica/
Casa da Musica – vitual visit http://www.360cities.net/casa-de-musica
Casa da Musica – NY Times article http://www.nytimes.com/arts/design/
Sao Bento train station http://www.worldtour360.com/SaoBentoStation
Photo 1. Is Figueira da Foz municipal market. If you can eat it – they sell it. Today is special though – many flower vendors to flowers for use on All Souls Day cemetery visits.
Photo 2. Shows Casa de Musica in Porto. Built in 2005, is claimed to be the most beautiful in the world?
Photo 3. A view out our hotel room window showing the Sao Bento train station below and tall building to the rear is the Porto cathedral. (-:
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day19Of2731Oct14FridayPorto
