EUROPE BLOG April 23rd, 2023 - PORTO

4/23/23- Another rainy day and we have tickets in hand for that book store (Livraria Lello) we tried to go to the other day. It doesn’t open until 9:30am, which is the time we have for our tickets. We’re hoping the early morning will allow us to avoid the long lines we’ve seen already.

Our umbrellas are out as it’s sprinkling just enough to make it uncomfortable but not enough to feel like we may get drenched. Once at the book store entrance (10 minutes early) we see a long line already formed but for whatever reason it doesn’t seem to be in the right spot, as there’s an actual sign for the line with only a handful of people in it. Sharece and I split up, I in one and her in the other just in case, and when the staff directs the traffic I find I’m in the correct line toward the front.

We wait another 5 minutes and soon are in the store ready for pictures. The extravagant staircase is first up and luckily a line forms to make it somewhat organized. Not long after we get our shots it became a free-for-all in the store with people scattering every which way, which is a good thing we came here early. I even buy a book “Alice in Wonderland” as the 5 Euro admission goes toward any purchase. It really is a madhouse with patrons jostling for position on the stairs and balconies. I’m not sure what the capacity limit is, but I have a feeling they’re stretching it.

Leaving the bookstore, the rain has let up enough for us to enjoy a walk to Porto Cathedral. We aren’t sure if it’ll even be open as it’s Sunday, but we soon see the line to get in. It’s only 3 Euros per person and well worth the price as it includes the tower, church, courtyard and museum. Church is in service, so we only sneak a peek inside before continuing on. 

The rain starts up again as we climb to the second level of the courtyard, but not even a moment sooner the sun comes out bright and beaming. The weather here is truly odd.

The tower stairs are more challenging as we’d hoped not to over extend our bodies today, but we make it to the top, take our photos of the city and are soon on the way back to our AirBnb shortly after noon. Tomorrow we have another early morning, so rest and relaxation is on the menu for the remainder of the day.

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