# Tag 51 Port(o) - please refill

The second night without a parking space was more relaxing internally, but it must be noted that we were in a big city near a busy road. We are no longer used to that and can't appreciate the noise of the big city anymore. The selection of parking spaces still needs some refinement.

The drive to Porto is only 120 km long, but avoiding toll roads makes it very slow. However, we get to know a lot of cities and villages that we could have done without. There is certainly landscape in this region, but it's off the driving route.

After 2.5 hours, we reach the greater Porto area and the traffic increases. But the navigation system works flawlessly and safely guides us to our chosen destination.

We have chosen a campsite south of Porto on the beach. There are several places available and Parque Campismo Salgueros offered the cheapest price if you stay at least 2 nights. That's what we had planned anyway, so we checked in.

Maybe we should have read a few reviews or looked at the sanitary facilities beforehand.

The campsite is located on a side street only 300 m from the beach and is therefore relatively quiet - that's the plus point.

The sanitary facilities are a disaster and leave me speechless. I can't show you any pictures of it. Toilets and showers with head-high walls, so no enclosed cabins, the water pipes open on the wall, everything from the 70s (estimated, maybe even older). I have to digest that first.

The campsite manager assigns us a pitch and plugs in the electricity. After only 2 minutes, the fuse blows - 2 ampere power supply is not enough at all.

After several attempts, we get another pitch with higher power supply - then it works without any problems.

Insight of the day - when asked at the reception how much power consumption we need, the answer is: at least 6 ampere, preferably 10.

We saddle the bikes and want to explore Porto for the first time. There is a cycle path along the coast and the southern Duoro riverbank to the Port Wine Mile in the Vila Nova de Gaia district.

Here's a little explanation: Porto extends on both sides of the river. The southern part is characterized by new buildings and serves as a residential city for many people. Porto itself and the old town are located on the northern bank on hilly terrain. Therefore, the city is terraced. The old houses and narrow streets can be found in large numbers in the old town.

A visitor magnet has emerged on the southern bank. The ships of the river cruises dock at a new terminal. Directly behind it begins the Port Wine Mile and the historic cellars of the many traditional companies.

Nearly every major Port wine producer has a cellar here, which invites you to tastings and visits. This is of course a welcome highlight for the cruise guests and all other Porto visitors.

To get to the other side, the Ponte D. Luiz 1 bridge offers the appropriate crossing. But we save that for the 2nd day. Today we are cycling to the Port Wine Mile.

But first we have to fight hard against the wind - e-bike support level 3 - continuously. And even with that, it's hard, the wind is blowing fiercely.

I'm already looking forward to the return journey....

The visitors on the bank are numerous, so we push the bikes and indulge in the hustle and bustle. We also want to explore the small streets and visit the cellars and shops.

For a first orientation, the bike ride is quite good. But tomorrow we will definitely go to the city without bikes. We still have a small aperitif at one of the many bars along the Mile. Port wine has never been my favorite so far - but in this setting you can't avoid it - ... please refill.

When the sun starts to say goodbye, we ride back and plan the next day.

Wednesday, April 20, 22

Bus route 15 stops right in front of the campsite and we catch the 11.30 am bus at the last minute. It takes half an hour through the suburbs and rushes through narrow streets, leaving me speechless. I wouldn't drive through there with the motorhome - but the bus does, and at a decent pace.

The final stop is at Jardin de Murro, right at Ponte Luiz 1, which we have to cross. The bridge has two levels, the lower level is currently under construction and can only be used by pedestrians. The upper level, where we are standing right now, has been in operation since 2004 and has two lanes for the tram and two spacious pedestrian areas on the right and left. The problem is that the steel structure at a height of 60 meters also has gaps and openings that give a view down. If you have a problem with heights, that's a problem. The almost 400 meter crossing is already a huge challenge, but also a highlight with great views of the city and the river.

With solid ground under our feet, we continue. We don't have a fixed plan and let ourselves drift. The weather is good today and the sun is shining, so we have to spend the day outside. This means no museum visits or any sightseeing of churches, train stations, and cultural institutions. The flair of the city has already captured us and leads us to alleys and little corners that make up the charm of the city.

After a short time it is clear - Porto, please refill.

We have decided to experience Porto in just one day and then feel if the spark has jumped. From my side, a clear YES. The internet is full of descriptions of a day trip to Porto. The following link speaks for me:

This is how you explore Porto in just one day (travelbook.de)

But a personal impression has to be made again, even if it clouds the overall impression. As in any big city, poverty is very openly apparent. People on the fringes of society find their place and beg for a few coins. This is also done by the numerous street musicians, jugglers, and artists who earn their living this way. It's difficult, but you can't save them all.

The very lively and funny service at our lunch snack mentioned that the wage level in Portugal is currently between 3 and 4 euros per hour. As the statutory minimum wage, mind you. With a view of our total bill of 40 euros, she said she would have to work for 2 days for that. That makes you think and think about German conditions and the ever-increasing demands. Wasn't there just a strike by security personnel at airports? Very high level....

The return journey by bus no. 15 to Selgueiros was another highlight. The bus was crowded because all the Portuguese wanted to go home at 7 p.m. For me, this once again confirmed my rejection of public transport, especially since you are forced to wear a mask here. The Portuguese also only use the simple surgical mask. Nobody wears FFP2, only the tourists. Nevertheless, it is exhausting to sit in the bus with the mask for a long time. So I will continue to use individual transport by car or bicycle and avoid buses and trains as far as possible. Not even massive cash injections can change that.

But back to the bus ride - it went through even narrower streets than in the morning. And that with a routine that deserves respect. At times, not even an inch fit between the bus and the house wall (on both sides). Not to mention parked vehicles. A very adventurous bus ride finally ended right at the campsite, concluding an eventful day.