The bookshop is listed as one of the most beautiful ones in the world and because of that we were packed in like sardines - very appropriate! The gentleman on the till looked fed up and there were attendants throughout the store reminding people not to take pictures - it must be frustrating to work there. I bought a set of postcards showing all the ornate wood carving and stained glass windows.

Violeta off Time off lives near Porto with her husband Michaal and she kindly gave me a tour of this wonderful city, we didn't visit museums and only looked at the outside of places. We both took dozens of photos of the many beautiful buildings and spectacular views. Can't wait to go again.

View up the Douro.

We all had a good view of a Catamarran being lowered into the marina today but when it came to lift a rather sorry-looking, old Cat out things did not look so good. There was a mad flurry of activity as the slings and lines were attached but it stayed in the water. We later heard that it had started to break up - a big headache for the owner, a larger than life New Zealander we met 5-6 years ago.

We always enjoy a Tarta da nata - Portuguese cream tart and were delighted to find a cafe / pastelaria near the church across from the marina which does some great ones.

Grey Mullet catching insects in the marina. Very big specimens but definitely not for eating - for obvious reasons.

We went out last night for a meal and ended up in a nice little local restaurant/bar near the casino. I had forgotten to take my Portuguese dictionary so we winged it and ordered what we thought was some kind of grilled or roasted meat. We were a little surprised when it turned out to be smoked sausage with a fried egg, chips and pickled cauliflower. It was quite nice and when I got home found it had an interesting history.

Alheira de Caça is a bread sausage created by Portuguese Jews during the Inquisition to avoid persecution. As Jewish tradition forbids the eating of pork the sausage is made with any other type of meat mixed with bread. Spices like smoked paprika are added then the sausage is cold smoked.