My Observations
Wandering? Meandering? Whatever! We are on our own, and a chance to spend more time in places either not seen, or with enough time to focus on some things. First focus – breakfast. Today in the basement of department store – fnac – yes, lowercase. After you read the web link information, you can appreciate, this place is not just different, but different in a better way – my view.
The store is only 2 short blocks away. Since it is raining and windy, the umbrellas are almost useless. Once we enter the Art Nouveau themed building front, go downstairs. Then through the computer and electronics department. The food counter area is maybe 25 feet wide, with a few things displayed. We both pick out a certain specials that includes, juice, coffee, fruit cup and sandwich for around 5 Euro. Not bad, considering all we have on the tray. The eating area can be described as multi-purpose; dining, art gallery, concert space, reading room and probably a few others I am not aware of.
We finish eating and watching a music video on the large video screen in back of the stage and feel relaxed with the smooth jazz we listen to. We go back through the electronics/computer department and I view some photography things. For me – need to check this out. Walk a bit more and see books shelves – full of many titles I can't understand. What I do understand, is the comfortable setting and well lit area for patrons to browse potential purchases. A little farther away, a music & video department. Although the display items look minimal, the variety is good. Music CDs and vinyl. Videos in other languages. Even spotted musical instruments and other “tools” to help the person who just needs a guitar pick or strings. Impressive.
We search out the upper floors and find it is like most other stores in layout and content, yet so subtle differences to make things “handy.” For instance, need film or photo prints processed? That’s just inside the front door. No need to find hidden in some out-of-the-way place. In a word – nice.
We continue to wander down the street going into stores that might have caught our interests. Even went in the large local produce market. Unfortunately, part of it is open in the middle, so those vendors decided, no traffic to make things worthwhile and stay open – maybe tomorrow will be better.
I think, that is the unspoken motivation for many Portuguese residents. Yes, things may not be the best economically, but maybe tomorrow will be better.
Even with much “free-time” available to us, I take few photos. Instead, time now to look, smell, taste, listen and most of all – enjoy (-:
Dinner is next to hotel. They serve great grilled chicken and soup. Just right for such a cool, rainy day. Who knows – maybe tomorrow will be better? For sure!
Here are internet links for highlights:
fnac – a department store http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fnac
Photo 1. Our group has departed. We get to spend 4 days wandering the streets - “soaking” in the sights. (-:
Photo 2. Yes, wet, maybe even a bit cloudy and cold. But... Just look at the beautiful tile work – walls, streets, pedestrian walks. Wonderful.
Photo 3. Our closest place to hotel to eat. Tasty grilled chicken with many additionally good side dishes. (-:
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day22Of273Nov14MondayPorto
