A Beauti-Full Day in Porto (Portugal, April 2011)

Coming back from Guimaraes, i arranged to have a day in Porto before i fly to Athens. I spent most of the day walking around its beautifull streets and docks. The tiles that cover a lot of the old buildings (like Santa Catarina in the picture) seem to open a door to the dimension of ideas. And the cool breeze that is coming along the Douro river, brings to life all the feelings and promises of new worlds discovery and adventures that was boosting the city some centuries ago. The caress of the ocean breeze is one of my many favorites in this city. I am also very touched by the people, being so warm and welcome. This is one of the few cities were people that don't know each other get to talk freely in the street. And where a stranger can be sure that will get help and directions even at night. It feels like people have no fear here and the communication flows as freely as the windy line of Douro. And then i had the chance to take a taste of the Porto Hostels. This is also a meeting with the architecture of the old town since most of them occupy old buildings. The windy staircase goes up the three stories to the circular glass opening on the ceiling from which light springs in the house, and a secret garden at the back gives shade and peace. I stayed at the Hostel Magnolia (pictures 2,3 and 4), which i recommend, since i found very beautiful, neat and tidy and the people are most welcome, i had the feeling i was visiting a friend. So like Hugo said to me, "you have to come back to live the city more". Yes, i do and i will. Actually it is a place to live.

''Nao te Preocupes'' - A Beauti-Full Day in Porto  (Portugal, April 2011)