On the evening I flew into Porto back in December 2016, all the streets were shut down due to the city’s holiday celebration so my taxi driver could only drop me off a mile and a half from my hotel. It could have been scary for a solo traveler, but as you can see, it wasn’t. The parade turned out to be leading directly to the town square from which I would soon be able to see from my hotel window. I was attempting to not use my phone because I was unsure about what extra charges might occur so I didn't realize I could parade alongside them and arrive at my destination until it was too late. After finally caving and turning on my phone's service, I made my way through the windy and dimly lit streets of Porto trying to keep my rolling suitcase quiet.
The above video shows the band leader stopping the performance so the parader could get a good selfie with the band; that was the moment that cemented the knowledge that I was going to be OK.
One of the places I walked by while weaving my way through Porto en route my hotel.
The view from my rewards points funded hotel window.
Having just flown in from London where I saw my first Banksy and fell in love with Street Art, I was a little too focused on seeking out pretty colors to photograph than documenting the rest of the beautiful city. I didn’t realize that Porto was the town in which J.K. Rowling wrote much of the Harry Potter series until I arrived at Livreria Lello and it became obvious. Her journey is inspiring to say the least. I would absolutely love to shack up in Porto and write a graphic novel series for @TheRingOfDOOM but I have not yet created that opportunity for myself.
My photo of Livreria Lello with the least people in it.
My favorite image from Livreria Lello to illustrate the metaphor that if you don't take that first step toward your goals, you'll always remain on the first floor.
I would never say that I’m that into sandwiches but two of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had were in Porto. One was at a restaurant called Taxca that was a couple blocks from my hotel that specialized in prosciutto and cheese. The menu was very simple because when the ingredients are that good, one doesn’t need to mess around with too many options. I ordered the sandwich with “typico” cheese (a thick Brie-like cheese slice) with a local lager and proceeded to yummy dance my way through the meal. The second sandwich was at a shawarma spot near the train station on my way out of town. I wish I could remember the name because they deserve international shine but my favorite part was the chili oil drenched all over this delicious pocket of meat and lettuce. My enjoyment of the sandwich was apparent to a few fellow tourists who felt the urge to ask where I got this delicious wonder.
The view from my seat at the bar at Taxca.
The two full days I spent in Porto (I left on the third day) were spent following the trail of pretty colors around the city, marveling at my current situation, and trying to figure out where to find the best cheap food. It would have been truly awesome if I had written about my daily experiences just after they had happened but instead I chose to spend my evenings working on my music blog. At that time, I wasn’t ready to open up the world about what I had just experienced in the music industry so even if I had written about it then, it wouldn’t have reflected my internal journey. Here’s hoping I’ll end up back there soon and get to tell you all about it as it happens…
The video I captured of the first three minutes on the train leaving Porto still makes me smile every time I watch it. I’ll be writing about my next adventure in Lisbon where I filmed the only footage of myself on camera very soon.
The following are some of my favorite captured moments in Porto; can't wait to have the feeling I get when leaving my hotel in a new city again soon.
One of the few shots I captured of the beautiful architecture of Porto.
Classy Porto graffiti...
One of the few non-Street Art shots I captured of Porto.
The first Black mannequins I've ever seen and they're way hotter than white mannequins.
Porto Street Art
Porto store window display just under a year after David Bowie's death.
Porto Street Art
Hazul art as seen in Porto, Portugal
I hate to love this photo cuz the lighting is wonky but some of the best photos have imperfect lighting. The park was beautiful and I hope to return someday soon.
Artist collaboration in Porto, Portugal
Costah wheatpaste in Porto, Portugal
Hazul art in Porto, Portugal
Hazul gem in Porto
Costah Art in Porto, Portugal
Building that is way more handsome than a US building.
Daniel Eime mural in Porto, Portugal
Mesk mouse in Porto, Portugal
Teamwork in Porto, Portugal
The first Street Art I saw in Porto.