[April 6, Porto]
The most scenic part of Porto is the river "Ribeiera" district. It is the old working waterfront where from the 14th century flat-bottomed river boats brought wine and other goods were brought down the Douro to ship away. Once bustling, gritty, and commercial, it is now bustling, touristy, and commercial. And delightfully picturesque.
Riverside cafes have replaced wharfs and loading docks.
The main nautical activity is transporting tourists on a short river cruise.
The houses lining the riverbank are still lived in,
and both the residents and the tourists seem to like watching each other. They have very narrow fronts on the river and extent deeply back away from the riverside, because originally they were taxed in proportion to their linear riverfront exposure.
A few of the old river boats that once hauled kegs of young port wine are kept around to entertain the tourists, and can be hired for a cruise on the river.
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