I bought a good sized umbrella for six and a half euros. It was bought in an emergency as we were caught in an unexpected shower in Lamego but did it come into its own on our return home to a week-end rich in downpours!
On the whole the weather was kind during our seven days meandering along the Douro river in Northern Portugal. Daughter from the States and I had planned a short break for when she came over in June to do duty as Godmother to Ned. We flew from Heath Row to Porto where we were met by a coach that took us straight to the boat, a small craft that only took forty eight passengers. Our cabin was surprisingly roomy and throughout our voyage most efficiently tidied: fresh towels daily and turned down sheets with night dress tactfully laid out in an imaginary figure-hugging outline. The food was delicious and the waiting warm and efficient. In fact all the crew could not have done more to make their charges feel truly welcome. The courier who escorted us on all the excursions was outstanding, not only for her excellent command of English, but for her sheer enthusiasm which lent a glow of ‘treat’ to the outings.
The river was lined with terraced vineyards, the source of the port wine that for centuries has been the main export from the region. Further up stream one came to imposing locks and gorges. When the weather was kind there was the open top deck for enjoying scenery and sun but almost every day there were interesting visits ashore. The first was to explore Porto itself. I found the Cathedral, despite its treasures, had the look of a ‘has-been’. My gut feeling is that Christianity should not be wasting its resourses on such monuments, unless they are of exceptional evangelical value, but devote its energies to where people are to be found today: the shopping malls, the football grounds, etc.. Where they are beautifully maintained, such as in Salamanca, they pay due tribute to the Lord and prove an inspiration to many. ( Such is our own Cathedral ). Several churches and cathedrals, as in Lamego, to the “Reformed” eye seem to lavish too much attention on the Madonna, perhaps it is thought at the expense of her Son. It could be overlooked