On the road by 8 a.m., heading for the port wine houses at Oporto. Stopped for a walk on the Dom Lois bridge which spans the Douro River between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Built in 1879, with upper and lower roads. Impressive, but scary to walk across.

    
      
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Drove down to the river, bought buns in the market for breakfast and stopped for a "milk and café" coffee in a stand-up bar. Carole tried to skip-out on paying for one of her buns, but a determined little fellow chased her down the street and after a little confusion, graciously accept her 70 esc.

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Being Good Friday, we weren't sure about a winery tour. Walking up an almost deserted street, an old man started bellowing at us and kept pointing up the street and around the corner. Following his kind directions, we stumbled upon an open port house, where a small tour was just beginning. A real highlight in our trip so far and Luciano, our guide, was very accommodating. Met a Mr. Foster from South Africa on the tour. He just came from Toronto/Windsor and was traveling on to London, England. Had an interesting chat with him on South Africa. Unfortunately he had to leave or I'm sure we could have spent several hours talking in the wine tasting room. By the way, the 1947 red Port was the best.

  
      
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Into the car and on through Oporto, the second largest city in Portugal. Much more organized and businesslike than Lisboa. Around the harbor and up to Vila do Condo for lace doilies. Found the market, braved the pouring rain and Lee and Carole found their lace, plus some smoked sausages.

      
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Next stop was Barcelos, that is famous for originating the pottery roosters that have become the national symbol of Portugal. After an exhausting search, finally found some in a magazine shop. Big Deal! First city we couldn't find our way out of; very confusing. Still raining hard. I got shit for not finding the right gas station and Merv go the shits from the sausage we bought in Vila do Conde. Finally found our way out and deadheaded for our Pousada, this side of Vila Real.

      
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Arrived at 5 p.m., through mountainous terrain and extremely winding roads. Excellent grape growing country, but average 20-30 km. for 120 km. Nicest accommodation yet. Checked in, then down to the dining room for dinner. Lee and I ordered chicken soup, chicken flavored water with a raw egg yolk floating in the middle of it. Very funny!, but the rabbit was delicious. Still raining and off to bed at 11 p.m.

    
        
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