It’s not all books, views and gardens on this trip. I have a very small suitcase, so taking pictures has become a satisfying substitute for mindless consumption (with the exception of food, which I photograph and consume).

Window shopping:

Just looking, thanks:

Chocolate in a sardine tin – with a famous Portuguese figure or aspect of Portuguese life on the lid:

Music shop with miniature instruments and traditional Portuguese guitars:

Salami and smoked ham in this deli:

Dried cod in a supermarket (definitely just looking):

This second-hand shop is in La Vie, a shopping centre. I wouldn’t risk stepping in there (breakables).

In La Vie, there was a crowd watching football (Brazil vs Mexico):

Dried, sweetened kiwi fruit:

Back at the hotel, I spotted this in the lobby (oops, books again):

The hotel trains young people and it makes a lovely, positive atmosphere.

I went down for a simple salad meal in the bar and was talked into eating in the restaurant instead. Oh, they had to twist my arm!

The restaurant is decorated with students’ art work:

It was a delightful dinner of vegetable soup, fresh fish with spinach and potatoes

and a selection of mousses on a pretty plate:

I’m enjoying Portuguese espresso too (short black):

A fitting last meal in Portugal.

I walked 14.9km today, according to my health app. I found interesting back streets as I walked to the Palacio Cristal gardens.

And views of the Duoro River and an interesting mix of old, new and under-construction.

This garden just about has it over formal gardens. I particularly liked the use of gumboots. There were chooks in a pen behind.

There were chooks in the gardens too:

Among the garden sculptures were peacocks, peahens and peachicks!

The Palacio Cristal itself was under renovation – as was the Historical Museum and the Bolhau Market. The gardens were pretty nice, however, with old trees and a lovely grandeur.

Even in the gardens there was no getting away from books. This mobile library was parked inside the gate.

Yesterday, our local guide told us about Livraria Lello, a bookshop which inspired JK Rowling; the Hogwarts staircase is apparently modelled on the one in the shop. Would you agree?

We didn’t have time then, but I was first in the door this morning, hence an empty staircase with no tourists posing all over it.

There was also a small exhibition of Joan Miro illustrated books.

There is a book conservator here and a section of very old books behind glass doors.

I wandered into a couple of new bookshops, but it was the old that appealed the most. These photos are of Manuel Santos Livraria.

What could be lovelier?

I have seen many antiquarian bookshops in Portugal which must say something wonderful about the Portuguese, I choose to believe!