PORTO PORTRAITS

Music from the Andes...

2009-09-06T19:04:00.005+01:00

Photo by myself.

Yesterday I went to the downtown. I heard a strange music and saw a small crowd ahead. It was a group of musicians from Peru. One, was wearing some feathers "western style". I think they tried to give some kind of "ethnic glamour". Despite of the nonsense, they played quite well!

Back to work!

2009-09-01T15:28:00.004+01:00

Photos by myself.

"Vila Campina" - A great hotel (only 8 rooms). You must book in advance if you want to stay there. Super friendly and professional staff! We loved it, and we will return.

A traditional boat. This photo was taken in the "Parque Natural da Ria Formosa" (a national park), witch has one of the best family beaches of the world (according the Condé Nast Travel magazine).

My holidays are over (at least until the end of September). We went to the south of Portugal (Algarve). It is a very popular summer destination in Europe, with great beaches, warm waters and lots of seafood and fresh fish. This region has a lot of moorish influences (starting by the name "Al garve"). I'm feeling a little bit depressed to be back again and start working...Do you also feel the same? Where did you went on your holidays?

Salamanca

2009-08-18T07:52:00.004+01:00

Photos by myself.

This is Salamanca's main square (Plaza Mayor). If you know Venice and it's main square (St. Mark), you will find a lot of resemblances. If you want to have a nice (and expensive) breakfast, a lunch or just watch the crowds, this is the place to be. There are lots of small coffee shops, and you will watch the people choosing different spots according the hour (the sun and the heat will literally melt you down), always looking for the shadow.

Here, you can see my son, watching the river Douro (the spanish call it "Duero"), on the bathroom window. Even he (he's just 3), was amazed by the beauty and the serenity of the hotel.

A long weekend

2009-08-16T22:13:00.005+01:00

Photo by myself.

We went for a few days to Salamanca, Spain. We've found a wonderful hotel, named "Hacienda Zorita". It's located near the city of Salamanca, and it's known both for it's wine production and for being the place where Colombo slept before going to Madrid ask for the navy fleet to the Queen Isabela. I took this photo inside a little church, and as you can see, there are a lot of wine barrels inside!!! It's an old tradition of the Dominicans monks. The hotel also has a great restaurant with 2 stars of the Michelin Guide (yummy!!!). If you can can, you should try this!

The big green wall

2009-08-10T15:40:00.007+01:00

Photo by myself.

This photo was taken near the sport center (Palácio de Cristal - "Crystal Palace). The gardeners made a natural fence, using granite blocks and plants. It worked just fine. You can see behind the plants part of the sport center building (it looks like an UFO!).

Another foggy friday

2009-08-07T21:42:00.003+01:00

Photo by myself.

It's friday! This is August and the weather sucks! How is this possible? At least today is friday (only 1 more week at the clinic!). I hope you have a terrific weekend, with an excellent weather and good company (I know I will, at least the company part). Enjoy!

Another sunset...

2009-08-06T17:38:00.002+01:00

Photo by myself.

This is a strange (although beautiful sunset). During the summer months it's normal to watch sunsets like this one, with a purple and orange mist.

I will work until the 14th of August, then I'll take 2 weeks of holiday. I don't know yet, where are we going to, but I would like to make a road trip to the french atlantic coast. Let's wait and see... And you? Are you on holiday? Where are you going to?

The fishermen's club

2009-08-05T16:53:00.005+01:00

Photo by myself.

This photo was taken near a jetty. During the XIX century, this jetty was used by the sailors to unload the boats. Nowadays is used mostly by fishermen (and tourists). During the summer months it is normal to see some kids jumping from there to the sea. Since the summer is away on holiday, the kids choose (wisely) to stay at home. So I can only offer a photo of the fishermen club.

Today at midnight GMT +0, we will watch a partial eclipse of the moon. I think it can be see in all regions of the world. Enjoy!

The last Macho Man!

2009-08-03T14:55:00.002+01:00

Photo by myself.

I went for a walk, a few days ago. I saw this "specimen" sleeping with his speedos on. This is probably the lost link of the evolution of man. He doesn't need a pillow ( the shoes will do fine) or a towel (the granite is soft enough for him).

Fast food - Porto's style

2009-07-31T22:27:00.006+01:00

Photo by myself.

When I want to eat something delicious without thinking about calories or fat, I ask for a "Francesinha" and a cold beer ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francesinha ) This is a kind of hot sandwich, with two slices of fresh bread, a slice of ham, a steak (veal), two or three different types of cold meats, lots of cheese, a extremely spicy hot sauce (to melt the cheese) and an egg on top. If you want I can leave a recipe of it!

Guess who's coming?

2009-07-31T07:19:00.002+01:00

Photo by myself.

Ok. It's July. The sky is blue and it's hot outside. I go to the balcony and guess who's coming? FOG! The fog and the north wind are always present during the summer months. Maybe that's the reason why are so many english living in the city (lol). Happy weekend!

An old woman.

2009-07-30T10:20:00.003+01:00

Photo by myself.

The beach is always a popular destination among the elders. I saw this old lady doing hers "hygienic morning walk". It's quite normal to see the elders, during the morning, walking or running by the beach. I think it's never to late to get fit...

Old town

2009-07-29T09:53:00.003+01:00

Photo by myself.

You can see here an ancient square. We call it the "Lion's Square" for obvious reasons. A few years ago it was a very busy commercial area. Nowadays, it's used essentially by students (there's a medical college and the university central services near by).

Two cities, one bridge.

2009-07-28T15:04:00.006+01:00

Photo by myself.

The story of Porto is full of episodes related to the sea, the river, and the bridges. When this bridge was build, lots of people from everyplace in the world, came to see the bridge collapse during the inauguration day! As you can see, that didn't happen! In the XIX century, during the Napoleonic invasions, the french army was halted in the city, by the destruction of the "ponte das barcas" (a bridge made of several boats linked together). To feed the portuguese and the english army, the people of Porto ate the animal's (cows) guts, giving the meat to the soldiers. That's why today, we are known as the "Tripeiros" (or gut eater), and we are proud of it!

Porto by night

2009-07-25T09:37:00.004+01:00

Photo by myself.

I took this photo yesterday. With a night like this, I'm sure we are going to have a glorious weekend!

The old customs house

2009-07-24T14:52:00.003+01:00

Photo by myself.

The big building on the left side of the river, is the old customs house. Nowadays is very popular convention centre. On the right side of the river lies the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. The two cities are separated by the river Douro. This area is very popular among the tourists since they can go to the wine cellars for FREE port wine proofs! Do you know Port wine? Do you like it? Have a great weekend!

A different McDonalds

2009-07-23T11:10:00.004+01:00

Photo by myself.

I'm back and feeling good (thanks for your concern guys:). This is a photo of the first McDonalds in Porto. They used an ancient coffee shop (we call it a "Café"), named "Imperial". It was a very controversial option, since the Café was one of the city's ex-libris. How stupid can this decision be?

Flu (not the H1N1 type!)

2009-07-20T20:22:00.004+01:00

Photo by myself.

I'm ill. I have some kind of flu. I will post more photos tomorrow if I feel fine at the moment. I'm posting a photo of some palm trees. It's hard to believe the photo was taken here, in Porto.

Porto Bike Tour 2009

2009-07-19T22:47:00.004+01:00

Photo by myself (iphone photo).

I took some photos to the "Porto Bike Tour 2009" (http://biketour.sapo.pt/content.php?contentid=3559). It was a very hot day, but everybody was very happy with the event (probably for getting a bicycle for 50€!). Anyway, for 1 day in the year we could use the freeway, cross the main bridge (Arrábida) and having a great time! I also made a short video, while I was driving in the opposite direction (sorry for the lousy quality, but I used a photo camera!).

An Original Library

2009-07-18T16:39:00.004+01:00

"Free Internet Wireless, Here"

Photos by myself.

Today I went to a park near the downtown. It's quite ancient, it was made in the early XIX century. A few years ago, the city hall approved some renovations. The photos show a public library. The architect made a wood barrier to give some isolation (heat and sound). As you can see, the building is surrounded by trees, and the wood barrier hides the building. I think it is a clever way to merge with the nature. What do you think about this? Happy weekend!

Meditation...

2009-07-16T11:11:00.004+01:00

Photo by myself. Today I went for a walk near the beach. I saw a this man sitting against the wood fence. Who do you think he might be? A poet looking for inspiration? An artist? A drunken man with a big hangover?

Aliens???

2009-07-15T09:15:00.004+01:00

Photos by myself.

Today I went to the City Hall. I saw dozens of plastic men standing on the middle of the avenue. Aliens maybe? No, it's just a public art exposition made by a few artist. The goal is to make an auction and raise money for the homeless. That's a great and fun idea!

The iBar

2009-07-14T19:00:00.006+01:00

Photo by myself using my iphone!

Ok, this is NOT a joke! I've found a bar named "i Bar"! Maybe Steve Jobs is trying to diversify...

What do you think will be next? An i Wife 3.0 s? An i Husband 2.0? Or maybe an i Muffin(lol)

An original restaurant

2009-07-13T23:14:00.003+01:00

Photo by myself, using my IPhone.

We, me and my wife, went to a restaurant, for lunch. It's a very interesting place, with wonderful food and great wines. But the most interesting thing about it is the grocery. The restaurant has a little grocery with "gourmet" food and ingredients. You can buy italian pastas, greek cheese, wine from New Zealand, butter cookies from UK, etc...

The fishermen's angel

2009-07-10T16:48:00.003+01:00

Everybody have their own superstitions. My country (most part of the population is catholic) has strong believes regarding the divine protection. The fishermen are probably the most devoted. A few years ago, a portuguese artist made this statue to protect the fishermen. What do you think about this? Does the religion have a place in a world full of blogs, myspace, twitter, etc... ? Happy weekend!

The smallest beach in the world...

2009-07-09T08:54:00.004+01:00

Photos by my self. You can see here two jetties or breakwaters. The one on the right, is the oldest. Last year the harbor authorities builded a new one, wider and longer. The space left between then, made a very small and strange beach. This is a very popular place to the fishermen. In the summer, it is normal to see old folks, with their speedos (yes, in Europe it's normal to wear speedos! lol) extremely tanned. During the winter months it's an excellent place to get killed by the raging waves!

Fishermen and seagulls

2009-07-08T09:34:00.004+01:00

Photo by myself. A small fishing boat chased by seagulls. In Porto, there are 2 fishing harbors. The city is known for the restaurants, the wine, the soccer team (F.C.Porto) and of course for the fresh fish and seafood.

A face on the ground

2009-07-05T14:18:00.002+01:00

Photo by myself (I used my iphone).

Yesterday, I went to a street full of art galleries. I took my son with me. They made a pedestrian street, with lots of smiley faces on the pavement. You can see two shadows (myself and my son) and a smiley face. There's no need to say that the real fun of the walk was looking for the faces on the ground. That's the only form of art my son appreciates.

Friday at last!

2009-07-03T21:38:00.003+01:00

Friday! Finally! I had a crazy week. Too much work. I'm thinking about changing my profession. Did you know that dentists have the highest suicide rate among the health care providers? It's a very demanding job. We have to deal everyday, with lots of complains from frighten patients. And in the end all the success and failure are your responsibility. The patients don't care if they don't have a good hygiene. It's never their fall. So, I think I can say this is a very stressful job. I took this photo in one of my "Zen moments". You can see the river (Douro), the Atlantic Ocean, and the south border of the city. Happy weekend everybody!

The bridge

2009-07-02T09:02:00.002+01:00

This is the "Ponte da Arrábida" (Arrábida's bridge -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrábida_Bridge). This bridge is used by thousands of people, everyday, to cross the Douro river. Like most bridges, it's a place of big traffic jams, but at least we have a great view!

An original bar...

2009-07-01T10:12:00.007+01:00

This bar, was made on top of a rock, very close to the sea. During the summer months, it's always crowed... everybody wants the same, a drink on the rocks on a cold spot.

July, a month full of events!

2009-06-30T17:48:00.009+01:00

On July, the city is full of public events. We had, a few days ago, the opening of the Sea Life (I didn't visit it yet). During this month, we are going to have the WTCC ( World Touring Car Championship) and the Porto's Historical Grand Prix (with cars from the 60's, 70's, etc). The streets are full of fences and tires, and for a few kilometers you may think you are driving on a race circuity. Obviously, the traffic is a mess with all the construction going on.

Other places...

2009-06-28T09:24:00.003+01:00

Today, I was looking for a new photo to post, and I found some photos of my last trip to NYC. This photo was taken in central park, on January 2008. NYC is one of my favorite holiday destinations. Where do you like to go on your holidays? Have a nice Sunday!

Morning's mist

2009-06-26T18:51:00.002+01:00

The morning's mist is one of the city trade marks. I think it is quite beautiful and makes a perfect mix with the seaside views. Happy weekend!

Food...

2009-06-25T14:46:00.003+01:00

This is "Arroz de marisco", or seafood and rice. It's a delicious plate, that can be find in all seaside cities. If you come to Portugal, you have to try it. It is also a very healthy, since all the ingredients are boiled in hot water with olive oil.

I'm back!

2009-06-24T22:31:00.004+01:00

I'm back. I had a wonderful holidays. I'm posting some photos from the south side of Portugal (Algarve). It's a very popular summer destination, since it's normal to have temperatures above the 30ºC and a hot and peaceful sea.

Low tide. A man is using the low tide to cross from a small island to the main land. He is selling sodas and cookies.

When the tide is higher, we can use a fisherman boat to cross to the islands (it's a fast and cheap ride, 1€ per person a two way ride).

Some fishermen looking for seafood .

My beach!!!

Holidays

2009-06-19T14:39:00.000+01:00

I'm going to be out on holidays until next friday. Have a good weekend!

38 years old!

2009-06-17T17:00:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was my birthday! I will try to post some photos of it, today. What is your idea of an old person? At what age you become old?

Traffic jam, on the right side of the road! lol

A couple waiting for the breakfast. The woman is talking alone, while the man is checking his messages (how rude can this be?).

The west part of the city, is always a popular destination. You can go there just for a walk, for jogging, eating or shopping.

Sunday traffic

2009-06-14T10:51:00.003+01:00

Photo by myself. You can see the west end of the city park. Like in almost every city of the world, sunday morning traffic is almost inexistent. Happy sunday every one.

Weekend

2009-06-13T21:41:00.003+01:00

Photo by myself. They say a picture worth a thousand words... well this is my weekend! Happy weekend every one! (and yes, those handsome, hairy legs are mine ! lol)

The old and the new

2009-06-12T11:04:00.003+01:00

Photos by myself. I took those photos a few days ago. You can see how the new buildings are taking the place of the older ones. Our mayor is making an effort to preserve old parts of our city. I think it is a good option. What do you think about this?

Holiday

2009-06-11T09:01:00.004+01:00

Photo by myself. The streets are empty on the old city. Yesterday was the national holiday. The weather was terrible, and the 6Km run was cancelled. Today we have another holiday! It is a religious holiday. This is year (on my 37 years of life, this is the first time it happens) the two holidays happened on two consecutive days! I read somewhere that Portugal has holidays like no other country on EU. I really don't know what to think about this. A holiday is a good thing, but in times like the one we are living I think we should try to work harder and don't shut down a country for almost a week. What do you think about this, do we have too much holidays?

Smoking...

2009-06-09T14:13:00.003+01:00

Photo by myself. A group of teenagers smoking outside of school! I guess the school isn't teaching the right stuff... What do you think should be the school's role on this subject?

Crazy weather!

2009-06-07T09:24:00.003+01:00

Photo by myself. I just don't know what to think about this weather! Happy sunday.

Friday morning...

2009-06-05T16:49:00.007+01:00

Photo by myself. Every morning, when I go to my office, I see a lot of people jogging. Maybe they are trainig for the 6 Km run, around the city park, that will take place on next wednesday, 10 of June, the national holiday, (and yes, I will participate). Happy weekend!

Prince Henry, The Navigator

2009-06-04T10:34:00.004+01:00

All photos by myself. This is the street where Prince Henry, The Navigator, was born (house on the left side).

A portuguese street sign ("Porto, Street of The Prince Henry, ancient new street of the english").

How many bridges...

2009-06-03T09:31:00.005+01:00

Photo by my self. How many bridges can you see? The closest one was made by Gustave Eiffel!

Foz

2009-06-02T14:24:00.003+01:00

The Foz district is located on the west part of the city, by the sea. It is one of the most expensives areas to live. I took this photo early, at 7.15 AM. The streets are empty, and you can only find a few joggers, and some crazy photobloggers, like myself. Have a nice day!

Back to the office!

2009-06-01T21:34:00.003+01:00

6.45! Wake up call! It's Monday and I want to cry! How it is possible? Where is my glorious weekend? I'm sure you all know this feeling.

Photo by myself. (This is a swimming pool with a unique view).

A Summer weekend!

2009-05-31T21:32:00.004+01:00

Photo by myself. We had a great weekend! The temperature raised above the 30ºC! I took this photo on the south part of Portugal (Algarve). It's a little off topic, but shows the spirit of summer in Portugal. I hope you enjoy it!

The old town - A Ribeira

2009-05-28T10:19:00.006+01:00

Photos by myself. The south border of Porto is made by the river Douro. That area is called "Ribeira". It's the oldest part of the city. Porto’s historical centre it was classified by the UNESCO as “World Cultural Heritage” in December 1996, . This is a very beautiful area, with lots of tourists, restaurants and of course, Port wine cellars! The boats (Rabelo boats) were used to carry the Port wine from the Douro 's vineyards, upriver, to the city. Nowadays the wine is transported by trucks.

The city park (Parque da Cidade)

2009-05-27T09:44:00.010+01:00

Photos by myself. Today I went to the Parque da Cidade (city park). This is Porto's biggest green area. It's located on the west part of the city. I took a few photos, from diferent areas. I hope you enjoy it!

Warning! This is NOT Tai-Chi !

A new computer!

2009-05-26T15:02:00.006+01:00

Photo by myself. I've been away for a few days. I have a new computer, an iMac! For the last 20 years, I've always worked (and play) with PCs. So this is a big change for me.

About the picture... I took it this morning. It's an old lamp post near the seaside. I think the rain is gone for good!

A strange chapel

2009-05-23T16:04:00.004+01:00

Photo by myself. This is a very strange chapel! The bell is located near a window and there is a satelite dish on the roof. A new way to talk to God?

A Casa da Música (The House of Music)

2009-05-22T18:03:00.006+01:00

The memorial of the Napoleonic wars.

Photos by my self. The Casa da Música (House of music) http://www.casadamusica.com was build when Porto was the european capital of culture, in 2001 . It is a very intersting building, located near the memorial of the Napoleonic Wars (The Lion represents the english and portuguese armies, and the eagle represents the french army).

Riverside II

2009-05-21T12:09:00.008+01:00

Old anchors.

A memorial related to the conquer of Ceuta (city in Morroco), by the portuguese in 1415. The fleet sailed from Porto. Porto is also the birth place of the Prince Henry the Navigator.

An old shipyard. There's a brigde on the horizont. That's the Arrábida's brigde. It connects Porto (on the left side) to Gaia (on the right side).

Some ancient tram cars. Nowadays, they are used mostly by tourists.

The riverside

2009-05-20T10:03:00.008+01:00

Photos by myself. The Sun is back! On the first hours of the day, it is normal to see some fog. Today I went to the riverside (river Douro). I saw a few fishermans trying their luck on the boardwalk.

The seaside

2009-05-14T10:58:00.006+01:00

Photos by my self. Today I went for a walk, on the west part of the city, the seaside. It's usual to find lots of people walking, jogging or ridding bicycles, there. It's also normal to see some surffers and fishermans. Still no sign of the Spring!

The old and the new

2009-05-13T18:13:00.007+01:00

The rain is back!!! Spring, where are you? This is the street where I used to live when I was a child. Me and my friends used to call to this house, the "Haunted House"! 30 years later, many things are changed. The right part of the house is now an art galery. The other side remains as a family house.

The rain is gonne!

2009-05-12T17:49:00.005+01:00

Photo by myself in home. You can see Porto, the river Douro and the Atlantic Ocean. The Spring is back!