From the size of this lock, it appears security is not an issue in Oporto. The owner of the bike appeared as I was taking the photo.  His friend chuckled his translation, telling his buddy we were amused by the size of the lock.

After that, the proud bike owner happily posed for us.

Bennett is still with us 🙂 on the  train from Lisbon.

First impressions of Oporto: smaller, so less distances to see all there is to see; beautiful architecture and tile work, and the Douro river banks (both sides) are more accessible & pedestrian friendly. Locals just as good natured.

We’re in a 60’s era 2 bedroom apartment (7th floor) on a main street with banks and other businesses on the ground floor.  Two balconies, and we can see the reflection of a bridge and the river in the glass building across from us.

We’re a block away from a beautiful garden/park – enjoyed by all.

Azaleas in full bloom, and the orange blossoms are heavenly after a rain.

The river is almost totally masked by the wisteria.

Nooks & crannies.

This pyramid-shaped post in front of a church is a flag post.  Way back when,  a specific flag was hoisted during the plague to alert boats coming upriver not to come any further.

We walked across the river via the Pont de Dom Luis I-  the lower level.  The upper level is pedestrian and local metro trains.

Dave checking out Port from the south bank.

The south side of the river is famous for the dozens of tasting facilities (‘lodges”) for port wine.   Seems each company has a boat  to advertise,  as well as a flag.  – Laura