10:16:28 Tuesday, 19th March

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To be honest, the ‘Naked Girl’ was just to get your attention, although it’s quite a lovely piece of art and a rendezvous point for Portoenses. How else were we supposed to get you interested in something as ubiquitous as a mere McDonalds?

To start off with, the ‘Naked girl’ refers to a white statue located on the central promenade near the bottom of Avenida dos Aliados. It depicts a young woman with a wide smile on her face sitting on a pedestal. Several copper heads, with waterspouts protruding from their mouths, are imbedded in the sides of the pillar. It’s officially known as the ‘Menina Nua - A Juventude’ or the ‘Youth Statue.’ And it was carved by Henrique Araújo Moreira in 1929. If you’re going to meet someone here, better call it the ‘Naked Girl,’ otherwise the people won’t know what you’re talking about.

Now on to the Imperial McDonalds, which is one of the most decorative Mickey D's in the world. It once housed the Imperial Café and it’s just east of the ‘Naked Girl’ on Avenida dos Aliados. A large sculpted eagle is perched above the franchise’s marquee. The inside of the restaurant has several chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and glass mosaics on the walls. The mosaics tell of a bygone era when men in tuxedoes accompanied ladies to luxurious cafés. Of course the modern premises only serves fast food. Oh, how the times have changed.