Capital of the north, OPORTO (Pôrto) is very different from Lisbon - unpretentious, inward-looking, unashamedly commercial. As the local saying goes: "Coimbra sings; Braga prays; Lisbon shows off; and Oporto works." The city's fascination lies very much in the life of the place, with its prosperous business core surrounded by smart suburbs and elegant villas, side by side with a heart of cramped streets and ancient alleys that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Classified Area. Together with Rotterdam, Oporto was declared European City of Culture 2001 . The reality of the situation is that due to considerable delays, many events will take place in 2002. For further information on events, contact Porto 2001 , Edificio Peninsula, Praça do Bom Sucesso 127-5° (tel 22 605 9400, www.porto2001.pt ). Meanwhile, daily life in the city continues to be inconvenienced by the major roadworks and construction sites that characterize the preparation.