I did decide to go to Porto today. Since the day began with rain, I took a taxi to Ovar and then caught a train, 1.85 euros with senior discount. Yeah!! I can afford these kind of train rides! Going to take it easy, let the feet rest.

My favorite color is blue. My eyes are blue. My favorite clothes are blue. I write with a blue micro-fine pen. I like the Blues Brothers. But, in Porto even I’m getting od’d on blue. Here is why.

As I arrive by train, I’m immediately engulfed by blue tile scenes in the main lobby. I’m learning that every town and village has blue tile decorating interiors and exteriors. The interior has the expected scenes from royalty and “great men.”

There are also scenes from ordinary life.

Portuguese really are doing better now. Their vaccination rate is pretty amazing. Many folks wear masks, certainly inside unless eating.

Since Porto is such a walkable and lively city, I take advantage of my rest day, but not to rest! There is so much to see.

My lodging is on the same block as the Chapel of Souls. Built in the 18th century, the exterior depicts the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Santa Catarina. The 15,000+ blue tiles were placed on the exterior fairly recently in 1929.

Only a few blocks away is the Church of Santo Ildefonso which was built in 1739. Its blue tile exterior depicts scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso, the Eucharist, and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As I walk, I pass two churches joined together. The Church of the Carmelites was built in 1628 and the Igreja do Carmo was built in 1768. Its blue tiles depict the creation of the Carmelite Order and Mount Carmel in Israel.

I finally reach the Cathedral. While not as awe-inspiring as some other cathedrals, the Porto Cathedral accentuates the importance of Porto. In 711, most of what we now know as Portugal fell to the Moors. However, in the 800’s Vimara Pires, a warrior from the area of Galicia, drove out the Moors. Porto became the historical core of early Portugal.

I’m not finished exploring Porto. I love the contrast between early modern Porto and modern Porto. There is always the interesting street art.

And the sculpture depicting Fado singing.

Rest days are wonderful. I don’t have to think about reaching a new town. I don’t have to wonder what my bed will be. I can’t take my backpack off for a day. What a relief! While we have gained the convenience of having shops open 24/7, maybe we have lost something by not having a socially accepted “rest day.”