PORTO, PORTUGAL
This image is actually on a cork post card.
Cork 'quercus suber' is a local tree that is used, of course,
 for wine bottle corks and so much more. 
The so much more includes backpacks, purses, money pouches and even hats and shoes. 
Cork is the most common tree species in Portugal 
and the bark is harvested every 9 years.
 


MAVERICK ROVER WORLD   
BLOG POST #75
Porto, PORTUGAL

After so many of our friends have already visited Portugal, 
we have finally made it. It seems that we are quite fortunate with
the weather, as we are early in the season when it is most often cool and rainy. 
Today it was sunny and warm in the 70s. 


Sidewalks are not just sidewalks here in Porto, 
they are ART in every sense of the word.
 It seems that no two designs or materials are the same.

Just down the street you will find this...
ill repaired and dangerous art.



This Intercontinental Hotel exemplifies fine art along with high end charm. 





While up the street you will find what is probably 
the most interesting and unique McDonalds restaurant in the world


Yes, still McDonalds, stand glass windows and all. 



Also, in the core of the city, you will find the church,  
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
with the infamous 
Azulejos (blue tiles) covering the facade. 
These tiles were brought to Portugal 
after the King of Portugal, Manuel I, traveled to Seville, Spain,
 where he first noticed the blue tile Moorish influence. 
Portugal was then changed forever. 


These painted ceramic tiles are not only on churches, 
but also on many house facades throughout the city of Porto. 


Other more typical tiles, in various colors, cover many house facades.





Here is a traditional trolly that runs throughout the core of the city.



Of course, sad but true, no city is complete without the random, 
or not so random homeless person,


I  chose to represent him in black and white imagery. 



Until next time, 
Cheers, Roger and Ron











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