Up and on a bus by 8:00 this morning. Not our first choice as we only awoke around 6:30 which is late for us. After a quick breakfast we were by now wide awake and raring to go!
We had an hour drive through the beautiful Portuguese countryside. [And it really is beautiful, so much more so than what we have seen of Spain, that is flatter.]
The village/town of Castelo Rodrigo is a hilltop situation, allegedly occupied since 500 BC. It was captured by the Arabs in the 12th century. It returned to "Christian Rule" at the time of the reconquest, about 1492!
We had a good wonder about the place, enjoying the treats and offerings of almonds, a delightful almond tasting wine and other treats all supplied compliments of the ship There was wild shopping frenzy in the town with beautiful cork handicrafts, yes, CORK! You should see some of the purses!
A short ride to the ship where it had moved from at 8:00 when we left to at the foot of the first lock on this lovely river Douro. We have been on most of the rivers in Europe, but this one matches the Rhine in beauty, without the crowded river traffic on the more popular ones. Delightful comes to mind.
Lunch was a bite to eat outside on deck with a very few others as we went through the lock and steaming along very quietly. Time for an afternoon nap until we attended an overview of of what the schedule is for the next several days.
Then, a visit to Sandeman Winery where they make Sandeman Tawny Sherry. My sister Moe enjoyed this for a few years, decades ago.
Great dinner with two ladies travelling alone. In port here all night, great!
Then, a visit to Sandeman Winery where they make Sandeman Tawny Sherry. My sister Moe enjoyed this for a few years, decades ago.
Great dinner with two ladies travelling alone. In port here all night, great!
Reception at a 2000 year old village.
The living room.
My office.
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