After 4 years of waiting and planning, our second Camino has finally arrived! This time – the Portugues route starting in Porto, Portugal and finishing once again in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
On Saturday, Karis and I flew from Edmonton to Abbotsford to meet my Mom. The following morning we boarded a WestJet plane in Vancouver. Our first layover was in Montreal. I was excited about this because it was just enough time for some traditional, Montreal poutine.
(It was adequate at best)
The next layover – Halifax! I’ve never been to Halifax and with only an hour and 15 minutes I was so excited to chow down on a lobster roll.
(Can you freaking believe that the airport was out of lobster!?!)
Next – on to Paris. A 6 hour layover at CDG. Did you know that that isn’t really enough time to do or see much of anything besides watch the clock at the Sheraton terrace cafe?
(And also enough time to be mistaken for a man and let into the men’s washroom by security when the key card wouldn’t work)
Finally, we were ecstatic to board easyjet for a quick 1 hour and 45 minute flight to Porto.
We caused a bit of a commotion on this last flight. Here’s why…
Not only do excessive amounts of Europeans smoke, but they also enjoy copious amounts of perfume. The lady behind Karis was no exception to the later. Karis started to sneeze. And sneeze. And sneeze some more.
On one particularly aggressive sneeze (while sprawled across my lap) the spray shot and covered Mom. We were grossed out and impressed all at once. Karis insisted it wasn’t her but I knew it was….
About 10 minutes later, it happened again! The spray hit mom in the face and all over her top. This time – Karis clearly wasn’t involved. After closer inspection (and me thinking it was the people in front of us) we realized it was Mom’s new water bottle building and releasing pressure from the elevation change!
So! Freaking! Hilarious!
We laughed till we cried.
After arriving in Porto we took the train to Oporto. The old historic portion of the city.
We checked into a super cute hostel called YES! (Yes, the name is actually YES!)
The welcoming host checked us in and showed us to our room. It’s a quad that we are sharing with a girl from Brazil. Her name is Caralina. It’s Caralina’s last night here (she is not walking the Camino) and she’s decided to make the most of her last moments and party. We have been amazed at the lung power of this girl and her new boyfriend (who we have named Marcelo). The three of us have watched in amazement from above as she, Marcelo and many other 20 somethings party on the street below. Caralina can drink, smoke, and kiss Marcelo all in unison. Talent right there.
We suspect that Caralina might not come back to the quad tonight.
Tired, tired, tired!
Tomorrow a day exploring Porto!
Goodnight all.
(Take care Caralina!!)
