Destination: Porto

Travel Day Two

After an amazingly comfortable flight to Lisbon and quick passport check we retrieved our bags and walked through customs. In past years I’ve either wrapped my pack in plastic or just winged it, hoping all the clips and straps would come through baggage claim in one piece. Susie had a great idea and picked up sturdy tarp-material bags for us at a hardware store. They also have similar versions at IKEA. These worked great because there were a few miscellaneous packets that I’ll be mailing ahead and they fit nicely in the tarp bag along with my backpack.  

We asked directions at the Lisbon airport to get us close to the Oriente train station – only three stops on the Metro. Once there, we looked for a decent coffee place where locals were. Walked toward the water, bypassed the Starbucks, and found a cafe with outdoor umbrellas.  Wonderful view, refreshing breeze, and the most amazing First Coffee accompanied by Pastel de Nata served at the bar perfect temperature… freshly out of the oven. It was my first – and the bar has been set for pretty high!

Sculptural artwork in the area was on a large scale and was quite impressive. 

Did a bit of strolling around the area afterwards and then caught the 3:39 PM train to Porto. We somehow ended up in first class even though our tickets were less than €25. Quite the bargain for comfy accommodations for a 3+ hour train ride. 

As we approached Porto the air was thick with smoke from local wildfires.  Hoping it clears in the next few days and that the damage is not too extensive. 

One more Metro ride and a walk to the hostel to get settled in. A quick shower and hand washing sone laundry and we were new people!  We stepped out for a quick sandwich for dinner – and are ready for a relatively early night. 

The hostel management is trying to market this place as a party hostel – but most travelers seem to be like us and just want an early night. We were fairly warned of loud music and laughing to all hours – but everyone in our all-female dorm room is being respectful and whispering quietly. So much for the party image. 

We’re in Porto for the day tomorrow to have a day to recoup. 

More later…

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