Jumping around again today. Into Spain then back home and into Portugal. No internetness at the moment. But liking my new word more and more. Should also be liked by both people that enjoy my blog as usually I write more when I do not have access to anything else. Back to yesterday. The photos show Castelo Rodrigo and obviously that’s where i went as Lee had a little rest and recovery session. Castelo Rodrigo is an old hill top fortress that was once ransacked by its own Portuguese people who were somewhat, but rightly aggrieved, by the residents. They literally threw sticks and stones at the place until it crumbled! It’s claim to fame was also that it was part of the compdistella or pilgrims road to Santiago. Some as part of the pilgrimage even ... read more

Very much cruising. Cruising and ‘cruisin’. With 8 days on board unpacking is a given. As such the suitcase is stowed under the bed and will not be seen for a week which just makes things so much easier and so much more civilised. Even clothing that may be a bit past its used by date look and smell better if its hanging in a wardrobe. Although the discovery of a washing machine at our last Airbnb did marvels for us and made it a bit easier to make some new friends. We have joined an APT travelling group that has bused up from Barcelona via Lisbon. Many are not young and I’m amazed at the schedule they are expected to maintain. They have had almost 20 hours in a bus over the last 2 days ... read more

Well Gaia technically. The oppos of the river to Porto. Ahoy mateys. Hoist the mainsail and heave away the anchor. Dangerous precedent but being on the water sets the naughty, nautical talk in motion. Disregard the fact we don’t sail until tomorrow morning and then even when we do we sail on a calm, tranquil river. Obviously we are on board but we 30 minutes or so early so we are on the sun deck, by the pool and with 10 or 12 other early birds. Hopefully we are not in the same category as most of them, as the majority are already asleep (or even worse!) or if they are awake they look pretty terrible. Lee has been saying for the last couple of days that tourists here look tired, fatigued and out of breath ... read more

Déjà vu, instant replay or here we go again. I’m up had brekkie, it’s brekkie if I make it and it’s muesli, banana and yogurt with some coffee. It’s breakfast if someone else makes anything! Made a cup of tea for Lee, she doesn’t call that brekkie or breakfast as it’s really only a precursor to starting to wake up. Then it’s off to another walking tour. Different company, different itinerary but same sort of deal. This one concentrated significantly more on the old town and the river quarter which is fine as the details and information content is what I thrive on. Run by Porto Walking Tours this one was conducted by a native ‘tripe eater’ unlike yesterday’s tour which was lead by an Irishman! The tours usually touch on food, language, culture and history ... read more

Typing time to while away the minutes. We are currently somewhere but about half way between Lisbon and Porto based on the duration of the trip and certainly not my understanding of any of the train announcements which I assume have been in Portuguese only. Not an unfair assumption based on the fact we are in Portugal. Many and indeed most of the signs at the station were in Portuguese and English which was reassuring and helpful but most locals speak enough ‘specific’ English to help us. Waits speak menu English, drivers read ‘Google map English’ and ticket sellers know destination and numbers well enough for us to get the message through. Managed to find grilled sardines last night much to my pleasure and the pleasure of an American couple who were close enough to hear ... read more