For every port, Chief Warrant Officer Kowalski plans out terrific excursions for the students, staff, and crew to attend. In Porto, the excursion was a walking tour around the city, then a boat tour on the Douro River, and, lastly, a tour of a winery. I went on the tour with my dad, who is onboard as the 1st Assistant Engineer. This cruise has allowed us a unique opportunity of sailing on the same ship as well as experiencing new countries together! I am so thankful to have him by my side during my freshman cruise.

At 1430, our group cheerfully departed the gangway and boarded the bus. We drove through the city, peering out our windows at various landmarks, while our guide taught us some history of the city and country. The group disembarked the bus in downtown Porto where we gazed at City Hall, a 12th Century Cathedral, and Clerigos Church with a renowned bell tower. While walking to the dock, we took in the sights of the many colorful buildings constructed in the towering, rocky riverbank.

In the medieval Ribeira Quarter of Porto, our group boarded quaint, traditional wooden boats. We drifted down the Douro River that divides Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. The small timber craft floated under six looming bridges. Our eccentric vessel overtook and crossed paths of other riverboats while we were underway. As we steered around the other boats, the deckies were joking to each other about navigation rules saying phrases like, “they don’t have right-of-way,” “that is not how you do a crossing scenario,” and “that is wrong if we are in international waters… where is the line of demarcation?”

We boarded the boat in Porto and docked in Vila Nova de Gaia, or simply, “Gaia”. Our group disembarked and strolled the bustling waterfront street, passing by street vendors and artists. Overlooking the river stood the winery, a tall white stone building with a large glass door. Grateful to get out of the hot sun, the excursion group bounded inside.

Inside the winery stood a myriad of large barrels of port wine. The tour guide of the winery described the different types of Port wine as well as how it’s made. To conclude the tour, the group tasted two Port wines from the winery! Some students purchased Port wine from the wineries gift shop. Maybe you will enjoy one bottle with your favorite TSSOM crew member on their first night back home!

Post by: MIDN 4/C Aimee Sala, MTO

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