Before our taxi picked us up to take us to Orly Airport, we took
a final stroll around the Marais. Tiny little parks, perfectly groomed, beside
15th and 16th century buildings, glamorous dress shops,
adjacent to galleries selling fabulous art. It really is a beautiful part of
the lovely Paris.
Our hotel was very comfortable and in the best location. We had a lovely room overlooking a courtyard and breakfast was served in the Cellar, a gorgeous round ceiling, creamy stone room.
We got to the airport and waited to check in, and waited to
go through security and waited for boarding, and waited for boarding and
waited. E-vent-u-ally we boarded and e-vent-u-ally we took off. We had arranged
to meet Karol and Michael in the Arrivals Hall at Porto Airport, and were
worried they would be waiting for us. After the long delays, there was some
need to visit the amenities, and Michael ran into Dick in the “bathroom”. Their
flight from Rome was also delayed, and we all arrived at the same time.
We got a cab to the Airbnb apartment, in the old
part/historic part of Porto. Up a long winding street, which the cab driver
would not enter. Fortunately the owner/agent was waiting for us and took us to
the apartment. It is very comfortable, spacious and each couple has their own
bathroom. There are fabulous view across the very hilly town of Porto. From the
living room we see the Cathedral, Karol and Michael can see the river from
their room, and we have a view of the old town.
Porto is very picturesque. We strolled down to the waterfront,
had a drink at a bar right on the river and then found a great restaurant in
the street behind the waterfront, full of locals. It is a long skinny room,
serving traditional Portuguese food. Our waiter suggested the Portuguese
swordfish, which is grilled with onion, garlic and olive oil, served with
cabbage and potatoes and Dick had monkfish in a Portuguese curry stew, also
suggested. Excellent choice and introduction to Portuguese cuisine. We had a
bottle of local wine, bread, water and tea for four for 67 euros. Amazing value.
We easily spent that much on dinner for two in Paris. We think we will enjoy
the food and drink in Portugal.
We climbed the steep paths and steps back to our apartment. The
downside of the fabulous views is that we have to hike uphill to see them.
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