Free day 3 in Porto Sunday 9/11/22

11:11 shot of the day. Arriving at Matosinhos
Beach … about a half hour bike ride from our hotel. 

We found a great bike path that took us to the Atlantic, and were thrilled to see the crowds of outdoor enthusiasts of all ages enjoying the wide range of activities on the boardwalk and on the beach. There were karate clinics, soccer clinics, roller skating clinics, surfing school, as well as experienced surfers,  beach volleyball and beach pickle ball, big group Zumba, spin classes, and a 10k running race.  There was a climbing wall, an obstacle course and a ropes course set up for today.  One of the permanent structures was the par core equipment. Tim was eager to try out his attempt at the iron cross! I was impressed! 

We got back to the hotel in the early afternoon and decided to ditch our bikes and investigate yet another unexplored section of Porto.  

Porto is an ancient city with lots of reconstruction happening in the most precarious places.  Check out the supports needed for this neighborhood crane project! 

We’ve seen quite a few street entertainers, but the old guy with the air mattress was quite clever to play his air organ using the air  from his mattress!  

We crossed one of the very high bridges crossing the Douro River and had some amazing views. It was yet another warm and spectacular day. 

Most restaurants close between 3-7 to take their break and prepare for dinner crowds. We were lucky enough to have our late lunch/early dinner in this narrow alleyway at 4ish!  The monkfish,shrimp and rice dish for 2 was delicious! To top it off we were entertained by the playful banter of a local customer and the  4 year old little girl that was the daughter of the owner.  So cute! 

On the journey back to the hotel we happen upon a beer garden  with music playing and lots of (young)people. We enjoyed a sampler of their beers …instead of seeking out another gelato place! 🍻