What a difference a bit of latitude makes! I got up nice and early this morning feeling very smug. The sun was shining in a clear blue sky again. Having not been to the coast for ages I decided to take a walk.
Avenida da Boavista is one long straight road from the centre of the city out to the beaches. It starts about 200m from my flat. With my new winter cardi zipped up to the top I left the house. Once I emerged from the shadows I was too warm. I removed the cardi and enjoyed the heat of the low sun on my face and arms.
After an hour of walking I arrived at the Parque da Cidade.
The park was busy with walkers, runners and cyclists. I’ve run on and off over the years and never stuck to it. Despite that I found myself again thinking of getting some running shoes. A few circuits here seems like a great way to start the day.
Somehow in the summer I’d decided the park wasn’t very nice. Probably because I only saw the very end where it is sandy and a there is huge flyover with cars thundering overhead. In fact it is very lovely.
At the end of the park you arrive at the Edificio Transparente and the beach.
The Edificio Transparente is full of restaurants. Having walked more than four miles I figured lunch was deserved. As it was such a beautiful and warm day there were lots of people sat outside.
It was lovely to sit and bask! I had a delicious chicken burger followed by chocolate cake. I’m eating sensibly at the moment but allow myself a treat on weekends.
As I sat and watched the activity around me I felt a little alone! The group in front of me seemed to know almost everyone that passed by. It would have been nice to have had a chat. Nonetheless it was still thoroughly pleasant just to sit there and watch the impressive surfing that was going on. I might have to take my landlord up on the offer of hooking me up with his instructor friend.
Some cool dads were sat in front of me having some cheeky lagers while the kids were skateboarding.
I’m not entirely sure why I look so worried (and a little disturbed I look so porky having lost about 2kg in the last few weeks!).
Despite the look on my face I was enjoying myself!
Eventually I got restless and set off home. Not the way I’d come but down the coast instead. It’s a lovely walk along the blue flag beaches that ends with Praia dos Ingleses. There is an excellent bar here right on the beach. I was torn between having a drink or two or walking on. The exercise felt good so I decided to carry on but it was oh-so tempting.
After the beaches you reach the mouth of the Douro river. This is also lovely to walk along.
I see so many little cafes and restaurants I want to try out sometime. Yesterday I had a coffee in one. When I went in to pay I could smell garlic, see the fresh vegetables piled up, see the freshly caught fish being washed and hear the water bubbling in a large pot. I’m sure lunch would have been delicious.
After half an hour of the sun on my back I turned left and began the long, slow climb back up to my flat. I had a bit of a pace on and was sweating. Still in a t-shirt I think I got some funny looks from people wrapped up in their winter coats and scarves.
All told it was probably ten miles walking. Nothing like the intensity of a run or bike ride but I still felt great after it. In my endorphin high I was thinking of running, finding an outdoor ‘boot camp’ class and getting back to the gym……
Don't be the a**hole 