The past week has flown by. We arrived in Porto Friday night to the greetings of warm weather and the surprise of Rita waiting to pick us up at the airport. Literally, there are no words to describe how much I missed her. The reunions had only just begun as when we arrived back to Rita’s place there was Tash, Pati, and Liam already there. We quickly headed out to a place to try Francheschina, a Portuguese dish with bread, cheese, and a whole lot of meat. Unfortunately Rita had to work at her bartending job all weekend but at least she got to start late! We spent the next few days enjoying the beach and the warm weather. The beach was so glittery! I know it’s random but I was literally just amazed at how awesome and sparkly the beach was much to Rita and her friend Renata’s amusement. What can I say? It doesn’t take much to please me!
Saturday night we went out for a night on the town with Rita’s friend Joana and Renata and some of their other friends. It was a great night albeit a tad longer of a night than I’m used to! On Monday we decided to put ourselves in tourist mode and started to explore the city and all the sites it had to offer. I really enjoyed Porto and the relaxed vibe it had. The buildings were a bit run down at times but I think that’s partly what added to its charm. Orange roofs dotted the hilly skyline and colourful buildings brought life to the city. The people were friendly and helpful and always seemed to be having a good time. After getting to know the city I definitely can see why Rita and a lot of other tourists I’ve met through my travels love Porto so much!
The following day Van and I went to try some port on the other side of the River in the city of Gaia. We went to the terrace at Sandeman, a maker of port for over 225 years, and had a late lunch while we sampled a few kinds of port. It was a tad too sweet for my own taste and Van’s as well but we figured we couldn’t go to Porto and not try port! After the others finished their round of mini golf and Van and I had finished walking along the river and coast, we all met up for the best burgers ever!
Our final day together we spent relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. Rita, Tash and I walked to Nova Real Confeitaria and got ourselves a feast of Portuguese baked goods, both savory and sweet, to all share and try. It was so delicious, albeit I don’t know what any of it was called! Afterwards we nipped over to the mall to grab our clothes for San Fermin (so crazy its almost that time already!). Tash, Vanessa and I went for one last dinner together at Cantina 32 and split a delicious charcuterie board. It was the night of Portugal vs. Poland in the Euro 2016 Cup so the streets were filled with people adorning red, yellow, and green! People merrily poured into the street after the game as Portugal took home a win. It was a great last night, full of the people I love in a city full of life. It was a hard goodbye to have to say but I know I’ll see Rita again someday. “Mita” will be reunited once again, it’s just a matter of when.
Up, Up, & Away 
Trying to keep up with you on your travels! Enjoying every moment of your photos and descriptive text:)
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