Coimbra and Porto Sunday June 29/14

Hilltop View of Coimbra

 Coimbra and Porto Sunday June 29

As lovely as Lisbon was I was looking forward to moving on and especially to begin the River Cruise.  The bus to take us to Porto where we would embark on the Queen Isabella stopped at the ancient town of Coimbra.  It dates back to the 700‘s and this is where we had a very festive lunch.  Coimbra is called the  City of Knowledge and has an amazing history and therefore beautiful architecture.  The University of Coimbra is a UNESCO heritage site and one of the oldest universities in the world.  I will never forget the sumptuous library which dates from 1728 and the story of it’s tiny bats which live behind the shelves eating the little bugs which like to live in books!  A very handsome law student dressed in the traditional black uniform of a suit and cape gave us an entertaining synopsis of student life.  His respect and high regard for education was apparent in every word.  Who would have guessed that the logo for Sandeman (Port) derives partly from the caped students.  I always thought it was Zorro!

A law student in uniform showing off his badges.

Gorgeous and ancient buildings of the University

At last!  We arrived at Cais de Gaia, our docking address.  As we drove to the dock the road became so narrow that it seemed impossible for a bus this size to get through. 

We began to see the warehouses of the Port Wineries, ancient but still in use.  Gaia is across the river from Porto although they are part of the same city. 

 The view of Porto from the ship was enticing as we could see old buildings climbing the hill with the ever present red tile roofs.  

First unpack, then explore the ship and relax up top.  We would sleep on board at dock and tomorrow tour Porto.  This port at the mouth of the Duoro is busy with boats of all sizes and shapes piquing my curiosity as to what they do.  So much to learn!  We met the staff of the boat and our Uniworld Cruise Director, Kersten, before enjoying our first meal in the exquisite dining room.    With only 103 passengers it was easy to get to know people but we had an affinity with Roger and Lynn and Richard and Ellen from the beginning.  And who knows?  We may run into them again some day.  Okay, correct that.  Ellen and Richard came to Kincardine for the final pipe band parade and we had dinner together.  Wonderful!