Guimaraes, Portugal and finis

Monday, June 23^rd, 2025- Porto, Portugal

         We arose later this morning and caught a late breakfast at 8:00 A.M. There was a tour scheduled for 1:00 P.M to Guimaraes and Braga in the north. Carmen advised us that the terrain was even hillier that Porto, Discretion is the better part of valor, We gave our tickets to two members of our group who were happy to go.

          After breakfast we sat on the sun deck and read for a few hours enjoying the morning sun and the sea air. It had been a fun trip but it was time to go home. Lunch brought us fish, vegetables and a glass of white wine. Ozie Nelsom summoned us. A two-hour conference with him was invigorating.

The optional excursion to this medieval city of Guiamaraes, that lies north of Porto, was one we had hoped to take. But our trusted guide Carmen suggested that the hills and cobblestone streets were difficult to traverse. This description is a compliation of information from the Internet.

The city was settled in the 9th century, at which time it was called Vimaranes. This name might have had its origin in the warrior Vímara Peres, who chose this area as the main government seat for the County of Portugal which he conquered for the Kingdom of Galicia. Guimarães has a significant historical importance due to the role it played in the foundation of Portugal. The city is commonly referred to as the "birthplace of Portugal" or "the cradle city" (Cidade Berço in Portuguese) because it was in Guimarães that Portugal's first King, Afonso Henriques was born, and also because the Battle of São Mamede – which is considered the seminal event for the foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal – was fought in the vicinity of the city.

The town is famous for its historic city center, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 10^th century Guimaraes Castle sits on a hilltop and provides grand views of the city. The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza built in the 15^th century and restored in the mid 20^th century is another place to tour. A ride on the gondola to Penha Park, a visit to a number of beautiful churches or a stroll through the medieval, picturesque streets are just a few of the things to do. 

     We began to pack our gear that afternoon. We had a “bags in the hall” order for 8:00 A.M. tomorrow morning. Then we cleaned up and got ready for one more lively dinner. A garden salad and mushroom soup led into a course of Sea Bass and a pastry cake, all washed down with yet another red Portuguese wine. Conversations were both lively and nostalgic. These people are all now members of the Fellowship of the Road Confraternity. We will be forever linked in time and space when remembering our Duoro excursion.

       Mary and I cashed in our chips early. We finished packing, read for a time and then met up with Morpheus in his far away world. It had been a good trip.

Tuesday, June 24^th, 2025.

        The shuttle buses, to the airport in Porto, left as early as 3:30 A.M. Cruisers were returning to places all over North America.  A good sized contingent had come from Texas and California.

         Our conveyance left at 9:30 A.M. Porto Airport took us to Madrid for an overnight. A direct flight from Madrid to Miami on Wed. morning brought us to the United States. We laid over in Miami for a night, then left at 6 A.M. Thursday morning for our castle in Estero, on the other side of the state. We made it back without incident, glad to be home.

                                                       -30-

                                               (625 words)

                                           Joseph Xavier Martin