Mr. Gym went to Porto, Portugal and never even saw a bottle of port. He was too busy checking other cool stuff out.
On May 14th, 2025 the Vista sailed into the new and very impressive Porto Leixoes Cruise Terminal, in Matosinhos, Portugal. This new terminal is very gugganheimish. It is shaped like a bleached conch shell. On this day, their last in Portugal, the adventurers were going to tour two places that were very key to the formation of the modern state of Portugal.
The first stop was the Guimaraes, a 60 km bus ride from Porto. It is referred to as the 'cradle of the Portuguese nation' and has served as the country's first capital. The morning's tour started at the 10th Century, Castle Guimaraes. It sits high up on a big granite outcrop providing it with a great view of the whole area. From there they checked out the church of Sao Miguel where the first Portuguese King is said to have been baptized. Continuing down the hill they strolled through the very well-preserved medieval old town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eventually they emerged to take in the stunning view of the Santos Passos Church lying beyond the three rectangular gardens referred to as Campo da Feira.
The group then re-boarded the bus and drove up above the city of Braga, to the shrine of Good Jesus of the Mount. This is a beautiful place anchored by the spectacular Basilica that is surrounded by lush gardens. From in front of the Basilica one can look down onto Braga. The area is flanked by two four star hotels. Gym and Mrs. Gym dined with the tour group in the plush Hotel do Elevator, so-named because it sits next to the funicular that brings many pilgrims up from Braga. Lunch was typical Portuguese fair including a casserole of salt cod and potato, with creme brûlée for dessert. After lunch, everyone entered the Basilica and Gym is not sure whether his pictures do justice to the beauty of this place. It should be noted that its status as a Basilica was only just granted by Pope Francis in 2015 and then in 2019 it was declared another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After leaving Braga, the bus returned to Porto Leixoes and the MS Vista. But before leaving the discourse on Portugal, Gym wishes to note a Portuguese national that he and his dear wife have befriended on the ship. His name is Paulo, who in the morning serves fresh cappuccinos in Barista's on Deck 14 and in the evening he serves fine olive oils and balsamic vinegar in Toscana, also on Deck 14. He is from the Algarve in the far south of Portugal where there is nothing but beautiful beaches and many fine golf courses, he says. Paulo is quite a character.
Pics coming soon..
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