Today was Labor Day, and the weather could not have been better. Logan and Benton started their day a bit earlier than the others, and headed to grab a pastry. Logan got another Berliner, Benton got a croissant with pistachio cream.
After the pastry, they ended walking through Torreão do Jardim do Palácio (a super pretty, somewhat chaotic green space with lots of little nooks to explore), down to the water, and eventually across the bottom of Luís I Bridge, where they met up with Jack and Brad at Uva by Cálem for drinks, lunch and views of the river in the sun. Jack and Brad had gotten up a bit later and explored the old town before making their way to the top of Jardim do Morro for some nice views.
Post lunch, we split up again. Benton and Logan walked along the river to the gondola station (Gaia cable car - Cais de Gaia station), taking it up to Jardim do Morro per Jack and Brad’s suggestion. One fun thing along the way: there were some street performers with really nice sound (great bass guitar) playing a couple covers, including Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb.
From the garden (Jardim), Logan called a Bolt to Ponte da Arrábida to meet up with Jack and Brad. They had booked tickets to climb up the bottom of the bridge (Benton had opted out due to his lack of proclivity for heights). The climb itself was cool, and they got to stop at the top and hang out for a bit + have a shot of alcohol. Apparently, in the past there were some stunts where daredevils would climb the bridge, and there is a video here of a motorcycle being ridden up in 1992.
While the others were climbing the bridge, Benton walked back to the Airbnb to hang his laundry to dry. Then, he roamed around Porto City Hall (the general area), where there were a ton of people at a Labor Day event, and there were also some pro-Palestine protestors. He also popped into a few random shops before hanging out near Jardim das Oliveiras (an architecturally neat park) where a solo singer/electric guitarist was playing some really good covers.
The others then met up with Benton and we all got drinks/some snacks at Nosolo Italia Porto - Clérigos. Jack got a mojito and a milkshake (definitely an interesting combo).
From snacks, we roamed a bit, and eventually into a neat bar (BOSCO Porto). Unfortunately, it was super crowded and we wanted to sit, so we didn’t get drinks here, but would go back and try again if we are ever in Porto again. Instead, we got some drinks at Café El Reys, where we played a bit more Euchre. Jack’s losing streak continued, as he managed to lose 10-0 in a game with Brad on his team.
After a couple rounds, we walked to Peneira - Padaria Artesanal for some pizza. The pizza was phenomenal, and the 1.7L strawberry lime sangria was also tasty. We left dinner pretty buzzed, but decided to get one more drink at a cocktail bar (Amura - Bar & Rooftop Lounge), where we continued to play Euchre/chat. Jack finally managed to win with Benton, bringing his total record to 1-4.
Finally, we walked back towards the Airbnb, stopping to grab one more beer before calling it a night and going to sleep.
