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We met at Sandy's house to beginning this long awaited trip. I was the last to arrive and with the car parked in her garage, you're off to the airport. Once there we checked in, got boarding passes and headed up to the gate. We had had smooth sailing so far with my worst moment on this day being when I had to take what felt like almost everything out of my backpack to get through security. Let's see: my laptop, kindle, iPad, phone, camera, food bag, and small bag with hand cream. Then I had to remove my shoes and it took me forever to get everything packed back up.
Linda C. and Sandy thought they were TSA PreCheck. It sort of worked for them. They still had to do the security thing but we're able to jump the security line. Linda C. did receive a pat-down but was not quite sure why. |
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Everything went very smoothly from then on. It was a two-hour flight to Boston. We got the boarding passes for Portugal and sailed through security. The only issue at security this time were the bottles of water that had to be either emptied or thrown away. Linda C. dumped out her water out of the bottle and into the trash to save the bottle. Linda H. and Sandy threw theirs away. I didn't have one to begin with so it wasn't problem.
We then set out to find dinner after walking around for a bit but finally found Legal Seafood and and all had a delicious crab cake for lunch/supper. Or was this “Sunch” or “Lupper?” What every you want to call it, the food was good.
We then headed back to a quieter place to wait out the next 5 hours. Our flight was scheduled for 11:20pm with boarding at 10:25pm. The boarding didn’t happen on time. We had to wait until 12:00 midnight and then some due to a late plane from Atlanta that had several people who were connecting to this flight. Once on the plane, we waited more. The plane didn’t leave the gate until after 1:00am. Even thought it was only a 7 hour flight it felt much longer. This was the first time in a long time I actually didn’t feel well on the plane. I think it was due to the constant vibration of the plane. Our plane landed two hours late and I was never so happy to be off an airplane.
We then set out to find dinner after walking around for a bit but finally found Legal Seafood and and all had a delicious crab cake for lunch/supper. Or was this “Sunch” or “Lupper?” What every you want to call it, the food was good.
We then headed back to a quieter place to wait out the next 5 hours. Our flight was scheduled for 11:20pm with boarding at 10:25pm. The boarding didn’t happen on time. We had to wait until 12:00 midnight and then some due to a late plane from Atlanta that had several people who were connecting to this flight. Once on the plane, we waited more. The plane didn’t leave the gate until after 1:00am. Even thought it was only a 7 hour flight it felt much longer. This was the first time in a long time I actually didn’t feel well on the plane. I think it was due to the constant vibration of the plane. Our plane landed two hours late and I was never so happy to be off an airplane.
Gathering our luggage and getting a little cash so we all had Euros with us, we met up with our rep from the tour company, George, who handed us off to our tour guide, Vera, for the remainder of the day. With our luggage piled into the back of the van, it was off to Óbidos. This is an old town that the kings wives ruled back in the 13th century. It was very cute with little shops in all of the “nooks and crannies” of the place. The one notable thing was that walking was not easy. Your choice was to either go up or down a hill and it was all cobblestones. We walked around and grabbed lunch in the little café with a walled in patio. As we left, Vera treated us to ginjinha which is made from morello cherries and served in a chocolate cup! Then it was back in the van for the 2 ½ hour drive to Porto.
It took a little longer to get to our hotel due to traffic. It was as bad as being in New York if not worse. Vera had to be very aggressive especially when it came to traffic circles. No one would willing let her in. We said goodbye to Vera knowing that we would see her again for our days in Lisbon.
The House Ribeira, once the headquarters of the Balleteatro – the first theater and dance school in Porto is a new hotel in the old district and two blocks from the river. Checking into the hotel was a process. After filling out the required paperwork, we found ourselves seated in the lobby at a little round table drinking Port wine and eating the traditional Portuguese custard pasties as we waited for our room keys. The desk clerk joined us and spread out a map of the area pointing out all of the places to see and things to do along with restaurants in the area. One hour later we finally made it up to our rooms.
Taking a few minutes to shower and settle in, we met for dinner at 9:00pm. Apparently this is the normal dinner hour as most restaurants appeared to be overflowing with patrons. We tried to eat at a tapas restaurant but they were reservation only. We ended up settling in at Ches Lupin (House of Rabbit). It was a good choice as the food was scrumptious and the view spectacular. After dinner, Linda and Linda headed back to the hotel. Sandy and I stayed to take a few pictures and ended up watching a street performance group. It was a nice way to end the evening.
The House Ribeira, once the headquarters of the Balleteatro – the first theater and dance school in Porto is a new hotel in the old district and two blocks from the river. Checking into the hotel was a process. After filling out the required paperwork, we found ourselves seated in the lobby at a little round table drinking Port wine and eating the traditional Portuguese custard pasties as we waited for our room keys. The desk clerk joined us and spread out a map of the area pointing out all of the places to see and things to do along with restaurants in the area. One hour later we finally made it up to our rooms.
Taking a few minutes to shower and settle in, we met for dinner at 9:00pm. Apparently this is the normal dinner hour as most restaurants appeared to be overflowing with patrons. We tried to eat at a tapas restaurant but they were reservation only. We ended up settling in at Ches Lupin (House of Rabbit). It was a good choice as the food was scrumptious and the view spectacular. After dinner, Linda and Linda headed back to the hotel. Sandy and I stayed to take a few pictures and ended up watching a street performance group. It was a nice way to end the evening.
Things we learned:
1. Portugal work hours are 9:00am to 6:00pm.
2. Obrigada means Thank You.
3. Oeste means west.
4. There are electrical wind mills all over the country.
5. Be careful at restaurants. You pay for everything they put on the table: Bottles of water, bowls of olives, bread, etc. Even if you don't verbally order it.
1. Portugal work hours are 9:00am to 6:00pm.
2. Obrigada means Thank You.
3. Oeste means west.
4. There are electrical wind mills all over the country.
5. Be careful at restaurants. You pay for everything they put on the table: Bottles of water, bowls of olives, bread, etc. Even if you don't verbally order it.