Stimulating the mind and senses

Foz do Douro

Pérgola da Foz

At the most tip of Porto is Foz do Douro (where the river meets the sea) with its rocky coast of the Atlantic and amazing views. I took a bus from Ribeira along the coast searching for the landmark Pérgola da Foz. It was built in 1930 to "sharpen up" the waterfront.

I had lunch at a nice seaside restaurant on the deck which jettison out over the water, as the waves hit the rocks below.

Right off the restaurant was a geological walkway describing all the plant life and rocks.

Up from Foz is the Avenida da Boavista and right off the avenue is the Serralves Foundation.

Serralves

It's main objective is to open contemporary art the public. It was very inexpensive only 10€. Many thanks to my friend Eadaoin for suggesting I visit this extraordinary place. It sits on Serralves Park with an Art Deco and cinema museum’s surrounded by an arboretum, farm and lush gardens.

Sweetgum Tree

There are many sculptures throughout the park area. The trail winds around to a tree top viewing area.

In the art deco museum there was a contempory art showing by Joan Miró. His work spans three decades (1924-1981) and is part of the state collection. Here are a few of the pieces.

The theatre was showing works from photographer, filmmaker and artist, Agnes Varda. I stayed to watch one of her multi-media films for about 30 minutes. It was very interesting, but they way it was filmed was difficult to watch.

Walkway to the tea house

Central Parterre

Out on the farm

View from the tree top walk

In other news...

I've been meeting many Americans who have made the move to Portugal and am learning a lot about the process. I've decided to forgo the Golden Visa and look at the D7 or a new visa process, Digital Native. If I can get some consulting work (have laptop will travel) I might be able to get a digital native visa which is easier.

More to come...