Post B5dAnKJ8rpy9HgzH7o by moof@cupoftea.social
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 (DIR) Post #B5dAnJapWaWX4GFt3Y by moof@cupoftea.social
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       On the rails again…Today I am taking the MiraDouro, the classic train that runs from Porto São Bento to Pocinho, along the banks of the Douro River. Today’s itinerary: https://moof.space/trip/2026-04-24I’m told that this is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, and is a UNESCO world heritage journey.The first hour, apparently, is much less pretty and interesting than the remaining two and a half. As I had a very bibulous evening last night, sampling the local wines, my hangover is very much appreciating this fact. Though the general level of noise of this train, between the diesel loco, the train horn, the clattering carriage and the general chatter of the people in at least 4 languages I can pick up right now is much less pleasant. Time for noise-cancelling earbuds and some hydration
       
 (DIR) Post #B5dAnJsYSghZxEY2gS by moof@cupoftea.social
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       Oh, yes, this is definitely as pretty as they say it is. And I have another 2 hours of this…And then the way back…
       
 (DIR) Post #B5dAnK4FlC3kXW1Nuy by moof@cupoftea.social
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       And as we reach Régua, the first major tourist stop. And half the train gets off, presumably to catch a river cruise.On the platform, a lady is shouting out and selling hand made hard sweets, individually wrapped in waxed paper, a euro for a bag. She is selling them to people on the train through the windows.I bought a bag, partly because of the quaintness, but also because I felt the need for something sweet after my very salty breakfast of salted almonds.Have some more pretty pictures…
       
 (DIR) Post #B5dAnKJ8rpy9HgzH7o by moof@cupoftea.social
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       We made it to Pocinho with about a 20 minute delay. This was partly due to something that looked like a temporary speed restriction that had a bunch of yellow boxes with flashing lights near the track to mark it.The locomotive then did a run-around, and we departed back westward towards Porto.I’m riding the train now as far as Pinhão, where I’m going to break the trip and have some lunch and a walk around…
       
 (DIR) Post #B5dAnKelZRGaMl6XpY by moof@cupoftea.social
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       I mostly stayed quiet this afternoon because my hangover and lack of sleep caught up with the heat and gentle breeze, and after a good lunch I mostly walked around zombie like and ended up snoozing on the train back.I was also not aided by the fact that I hadn’t brought my spare spare battery with me today, and my phone was running on fumes.The train down was as pleasant as the train up - more so in a way because it was less crowded - and I did get to see, but not photograph, golden hour and sunset.I made it to Porto São Bento at 21:05 officially, 30 minutes later than timetabled.
       
 (DIR) Post #B5dAnKzKKziHOWixsW by moof@cupoftea.social
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       …I thought the final bit of braking on the train as it pulled into the terminus was a bit abrupt…