If paradise is not so much lost as it is scattered, then I’ve found a piece of paradise in the heart of Porto.

John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost has been labelled as ‘life in-the midst of things’ and on the banks of the Rio Douro, life in-the midst of things is exactly what you get.

Sitting at one of the many restaurants that line the riverfront, a cold drink, a stunning spring day. Life really doesn’t get better than this. In front of me are locals and tourists enjoying the sun and the ambience of the river, buskers entertaining the crowds and across the river, the many port houses of Gaia, gondola’s gliding lazily above the rooftops.

It’s the perfect spot to soak up the ambience, observing river life and people as they go about their day. Boat loads of people setting off on the various river cruises, families enjoying lunch, great music and barely a breeze coming off the river.

In the background the dulcet tones of the very talented buskers, add to the vibe. Putting their own interpretation on popular songs which they sing in such a mellow, laid-back way that it takes you a moment to realise what song you are listening too.

It’s an interesting observation watching people who sit listening to street performers, take photo’s and videos then not contribute something to the performer. Sure, if you are sitting in a bar or restaurant you haven’t asked for them to entertain you, but if you do enjoy the entertainment or engage in any way, is it not reasonable to at least offer some loose change?

I’m finding it hard to write, because how can I possibly put into words this experience and the sensory overload I feel. It’s a ‘pinch yourself’ moment and one of the small trials of writing on the road, finding these beautiful spots to sit and work, then just wanting to sit and soak up the atmosphere. The challenge is real!

This is my second time here in Porto and it certainly hasn’t disappointed. I’m with my sister and niece and we’ve just enjoyed a great two-hour lunch at Restaurante Terreiro.

Taking the advice of the lovely waiter we went for dishes of prawns, fish, shellfish and octopus, washed down with a very nice wine. Followed by five desserts (shared) because we couldn’t choose, and an equally delicious port.

If you do get the opportunity to dine at Restaurante Terreiro, listen to and trust the recommendations. I was initially suspicious we were only being recommended the more expensive items on the menu, well, wine list but have to say, we weren’t misled. Everything was outstanding, very tasty and we left nothing on our plates.

The bill for the whole meal was actually quite reasonable for what we’d eaten and as my niece said, it was the best view we’d had for any of our meals here so far.

I have a theory that wherever you are, you need to experience the same place twice, once during the day and then again at night.

You generally get two very separate experiences and even if you don’t, many places look better at night, especially anywhere by the water where the reflections and light bounce off the surface. Sometimes even an uninspiring place can be magically transformed at night.

That said, there is however, nothing uninspiring about here and, as Albert has said “There’s something very wrong (with you) if you don’t find anything to love about Porto”.