Today was an interesting day. I slept well in the hostel last night. I didn’t need dinner. My two lunches were very filling. I left about 7:45am to have breakfast at the bus station which was a block away from the hostel. I bypassed all the shrink wrapped offerings on the counter and asked the waitress for “tostada.” It worked. I got toast and jam – comfort food for my four hour journey to Porto.
OK I was early. My bus didn’t leave until 9:30. I have nightmares about missing buses, trains and planes. The problem with leaving early is you then have time on your hands and begin to conjure up some crazy ideas. At one point I worried that maybe there was another bus station in Santiago and I was at the wrong one – even though I have taken this bus before from this exact same station.
Anyway the bus arrived before the information wicket opened so I was spared the eye roll of the attendant there. I don’t mind when people help me with my bags because I am old. I hate when they think I need a brain transplant.
I got off the bus at the airport in Porto, because I could then take the shuttle train to Trinidad station where I had booked a nearby hostel. Taking the bus to the bus station in Porto would mean a taxi ride back into town – if there even is a taxi.
With Mapy’s help this time, I found my hostel. I booked a private room with an ensuite. Well the last few nights I’ve slept in my clothes and I think I maybe needed a shower. Yes all the hostels have showers, but I’m picky.
Unfortunately my room is booked for tomorrow night so it’s back to the bunks for my last night – alas.
Before my shower though, I had lunch. There are so many restaurants and cafes on this tiny street it was hard to choose. I did find a very mini spot that was exceptional. The soup of the day was roasted pumpkin and the main dish was a curry of mixed mushrooms with homemade papadams. It was all quite spicy and delicious.
I then set out to walk to the French restaurant I went to three times the last time I was here. After several twists and turns, I decided it was a bit too far and I might get lost. Anyway I would have to take a taxi back if I did eat there in the evening because I would have a glass or two of wine. That’s when everything became too complicated. I’ll go there for lunch tomorrow, if they approve my reservation. Yes I had to book on line and the automatic response said that they would let me know if my booking was approved. It must be an authentic French restaurant with that attitude.
Anyway I had given up on the restaurant idea for dinner and was just going to have cheese and crackers in my room. I set out for a nearby supermarket- closed. OK I was about to give up even on the cheese and crackers but I was really hungry.
I decided to walk to the end of the block and back. As luck would have it, right on the corner was what looked like a very upscale place except that everyone was in jeans and some were working on computers while eating lightly. I went in. It was perfect. The menu was varied with lots of desserts, egg dishes, fancy sandwiches and a salad of 8 ingredients. I ordered the salad and they brought me a pencil and a typed list of choices – WOW.
So my cheese and crackers morphed into a salad of mixed greens, smoked salmon, tomato, chickpeas, cucumber, avocado, sautéd mushrooms and red onion. With a glass of white wine it was delicious.
Tomorrow I am booked for 11:45 at Livraria Lello. It’s a famous book store and the inspiration behind the Hogwart’s library in Harry Potter. Apparently J. K. Rowling lived for a time in Porto. I’m in good company. More tomorrow.