THE LANGUAGE OF A DOOR....

ALL DIFFERENT, ALL KNOCKERS

I have always been interested in door knockers. Don't you think they are something like the language of a door? Their shape, their size, their sound, well,  they are like words that convey a meaning to both passers-by, whoever uses them, whoever hears their sound....

Although hand door knockers are said to have been originated from the Hand of Fatima—a palm-shaped amulet used to protect against evil—hand-shaped knockers are common in countries bordering the Mediterranean whence they spread to neighbouring countries. This explains why in Portugal we find many doors, particularly not modern, whose knockers are hand-shaped. 
At a first sight they look all alike but as we pay a careful attention at them we notice that even a minor detail makes one different from the other: fat hand or not so, cuffs that are more or less adorned, different finger for the ring, even the finishing of the raw-material can exhibit a particularity, brass, forged or not, copper, iron, etc.
The collage shows some of the hands which I saw in Oporto.

But not all door knockers are hand-shaped. This second collage pictures some others, most of which are different from hand ones, and for this reason made me take a photo of them.

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BRAZILIAN FEEL IN SOME OPORTO MANSIONS

In Oporto and its vicinities, we see mansions that are named by "casas de brasileiro", houses of Portuguese emigrants to Brazil. These were built at the end of the 19th century-beginning of the 20th century. Then on returning back to Portugal they brought their wealth and other than financing business in the area, they ordered the construction of their residences that were characterised by  a Brazil-influenced architecture.

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FAKE CROWS.... WHAT FOR?

FAKE CROWS... WHAT FOR?

When I looked up at a 5th floor balcony I was surprised to see crows perched on the handrail. At first, I had thought they were real ones. Even though, I had a little doubt. A few hours later, I walked back and, for my surprise, they were still there perched motionless. Then, I realised they were fake and the dweller had placed the fake ones to scare pigeons (?) or had he fun by kidding passersby like me. What do you think?

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A PECULIAR FISHING VILLAGE....

Afurada is a traditional fishing village, south of the River Douro in Porto.

People from Porto and foreign tourists come here by car, taxi over the bridge or ride the quaint wooden ferry that sails to and fro across the river during the day.

Most come to enjoy the superb fresh fish for lunch or dinner, on offer in numerous small restaurants scattered throughout the village.

There are, though, other reasons to make the short hop from the crowded streets in Porto.

The main one is related to Afurada being also home to a communal laundry or wash house where the local women wash the family laundry in large tanks before leaving it to dry on lines strung out on the nearby beach.

The boat service ends at 6:00pm and we have to hurry up and board it. On the way back let's walk along a narrow street, say farewell to the gulls, the village and look at the other river bank.

The sky is turning cloudy as the end of the day approaches... Perhaps tomorrow the weather is not going to be so fine as today...

It has been a pleasure to spend the afternoon together with you... Many thanks!