I roamed around a foreign country. Alone.

Sunday 31 October 2010

I had been nervous for this day basically all week. I knew I was going to be completely alone, which was pretty scary for me. Meredith had to leave in the morning to go to the airport. My flight was not leaving until Monday morning around 6am so I had one day and one night alone in Porto. It was daunting to think about naviagating all on my own. I think it threw my entire previous week off because of the nerves. If you really know me, you can understand how I get when I get nervous.

There was a time change overnight that we were unaware of so Meredith woke up an hour early than she needed to. She got ready and finished packing her bags and took about an hours nap until breakfast started. I decided since I had no plans for the day I would sleep in and eat breakfast after she left. It was finally her time to leave for the metro and we said goodbye while I was still laying in bed. Haha. We had to whisper since there were several other people in our room still sleeping.

I really did not want to get out of my top bunk and face the world alone once she had left. I forced myself to get up, get ready, pack my belongings and head to breakfast. I got down there a half hour before it closed but the food was already all gone. I was pretty bummed, not because it was anything special or extra delicious but just because it was free. That's a college kid for you I guess.

I decided I wanted to take my luggage (bookbag) with me so I would not have to find the hostel again by myself after dark. Definitely not something I wanted to do. Like I said, I didn't have any plans for the day. I headed back to the tourist center to pick up another map since the one we used yesterday was soaked. Almost unreadable. I grabbed a fresh copy and stuffed it in my bag just in case I needed it. I mostly knew my way around and the city was pretty small so I figured I would be fine. I literally wondered around for over an hour. I was so nervous, scared and uncomfortable being alone I really just wished I was back in London and didn't plan the trip. I ate lunch that calmed me down a bit. It was still raining in Porto at this point.

It was early afternoon by this point. I was hoping to purchase some shopping Christmas gifts for family and friends but nearly every store was closed that didn't work out in the morning. I finally decided I needed to man up, take advantage of the city and go explore. I put my brave face on and decided I would make my way to Casa de Musica, a concert venue that is famous for its architecture. I had to take the metro to get there, which I am more than comfortable with at this point thanks to commuting in London. That was no problem. The venue was only a few blocks away from the metro stop and very easy to find. I uncertainly walked inside, not really sure what you are supposed to do here. I walked around and took some photos (shocker, right?!). It was seven floors and visitors were welcome just about everywhere except the actual concert space. The concert space was encased in glass so as a tourist you got a nice view of the facility. I mean, it was a cool building but I am not one to get all excited over something like that. I probably spent a half hour investigating the building and then crossed the street to find a place to eat.

 Behind the glass is the music concert hall

 They don't make 'em like this in the states!

I figured I had nothing else to do so I might as well eat something, true 'Lauren Pedigo' for you right there. I went into the first restaurant I saw. It was a two story building that served authenitc Portuguese food. I wasn't really hungry becasue I had eaten lunch only a couple hours before. I ordered soup from a waiter who didn't speak much English but it was fine. He also brought me bread and little cakes each filled with something different: sausage (not really sure?), fish and a breading. I tried all of them but didn't like them enough to finish.

             

After I finished my soup, I asked him if there was anywhere I could get internet access. There was a little discrepancy but eventually we communicated enough using hand gestures. He said that maybe the mall but since it was Sunday it may be closed. Figures. He gave me directions, but honestly I had no idea what he said. Upon leaving, I took out the map and turned left. That's true exploration right? Just walking in a direction and seeing where you end up?

I ate lunch across from the park/roundabout. This monument was in the center...not really sure what it is for though...

Within a few mintues I figured out where I wanted to go next. I had to turn around and backtrack but when I did that I found an internet cafe! Victory! When I was wondering early I was looking for internet access to email my friend in Madrid where I was going on Monday to doublecheck the plans and update the blog letting my parents know I made it safely. I found it and after checking my email I felt much more confident. There was a strange comfort knowing that people knew where I was, knowing that if something were to happen people would at least know what country I was in.

Then, I headed toward a park, Jardins Do Palacio De Cristal. Keep in mind, it had been raining all day. Not sure why I thought this would be a fun adventure, I guess I love the outdoors and parks. It wasn't too far of a walk probably just a bit more than 30 minutes. I walked around and snapped a few photos and was on my way back to the city center. I was already halfway there from Casa de Musica so I figured I could walk the rest. It was beautiful but it was raining so that put a bit of a damper on things. Below are some pictures.

 Botanical Gardens are inside this dome. I didn't go inside, I'm not sure it was open even.

 These buildings was across the street from the park, notice the tile wall covering.

             

I walked back towards the center and found a strange ceremony going on. Earlier in the day I had seen loads of kids with strings of tin cans wrapped around them. They were weaing bright pink or blue outfits. A few older people were wearing "Harry Potter" clothing (black suits with black 'capes'). I still am not entirely sure about the ritual. Hundreds of kids were lining the streets on their knees. It was almost like they were praying but I'm fairly certain they were not. Later, I heard the groups chanting and walking in single file lines down the streets. It was very bizarre to me.

(I'd love to add a picture of it here, however my blog just ran out of picture memory. Lovely.)
After walking through the city back toward the metro station, it was starting to get dark. I did a little bit of shopping at the stores that were open and bought a pair of boots, which I love. I also grabbed some dinner and then hopped on the metro toward the airport.

Once reaching the airport, I had a plan. I desperately needed to dry off since it had been pouring all day. Imagine me spending over 30 minutes in a public restroom drying myself and my clothes off. It was ridiculous. My blue jeans were soaked nearly up to my knees. Of course, my bookbag was drenched from walking around all day so even when I tried to change into "dryer" clothes for the night and flight in the morning, they were soaked as well. It was a mess. And, after my purchases my bag barely closed. Ryanair Airlines is ridiuclous when it come to carryon baggage. If it is over one carryon that doesn't fit in their regulations (they make you check before you board) you have to pay 35 quid. Quid is a slang term for pound and that is over 50 American dollars. Yikesss. I had to wear my new boots to sleep in and during the flight because there was no way they were fitting in my bag.

I slept in the airport. Not well I might add. My flight was at 6:30am so there was no way I would make it there without a taxi since the metro didn't open until about that time. I figured I would save money and that I would be safe in the airport. I strategically wrapped my arms around my bookbag so no one could get into my stuff without me waking up and tried to fall asleep. I probably didn't sleep more than a few hours combined throughout the night, but hey it was an experience and I probably saved a $100. Ahh, probably not worth it, but whatever.