More Willie

Today we metro’d and train’d our way from Lisbon North to Porto. Despite being a large city, the main train station in Lisbon was easy to navigate, at least compared to what we were used to from Italy. No confusing signs, no angry ticket sellers, and the train was almost on time.

The ride itself was great. I reverted to my usual train-riding self, which includes trying to stay awake, but ultimately passing out and drooling a little bit. On most trains I’ve taken in Europe the ride is a little jarring at times and I repeat the sleep, drool, wake cycle a few times, however, today the ride was smooth and I slept a solid hour without a problem. Thanks Portugal transit.

Goodbye Lisbon and Hello Porto from Willie Morris on Vimeo.

We arrived and found a hostel rather quickly, got settled in, and headed out to grab some food. We wandered down the road a bit and, as if on cue, the skies opened up and it started to pour. Not being two people that enjoy being soaked to the bone, we hurriedly found a good looking restaurant and got out of the rain. What good fortune we have. The restaurant, SaborXpresso, was absolutely fantastic – from the food, to the owner, to the bathroom.

The owner himself sat us and explained they had only been open a month. I think he was excited to have some foreigners in and we all took to each other quickly. He explained the menu and we ended up ordering some soup for starters (perfect for a chilly, rainy day) followed by fish for Diego and rabbit for myself. Everything was fork tender and cooked in a very rustic fashion which was in stark contrast to the beautiful and modern design of the restaurant. The owner also explained that the decor and attention to detail, from the place mats to the bathroom tiles, had been carried out by his brother who was an architect. Well done sir, well done. In addition to food, they also carried a nice variety of interesting local wines and food stuffs. The owner actually gave me and Diego each a little gift of what I can only describe as honey balls. Laugh it up you jerks. They look like raisins, but are composed entirely of honey. Sa-weeeet.

Willie and Diego take over SaborXpresso from Willie Morris on Vimeo.

After that we strolled around the city and ended up getting caught in another downpour. I had my “emergency” poncho with me, which ended up being completely useless. The only thing it accomplished was almost asphyxiating me while trying to get it on. It then proceeded to rip and tear for no apparent reason. How hard is it to design a piece of plastic that covers someone? Damn you poncho makers.

We are back at the hostel now and I’m thoroughly enjoying the beanbags that are everywhere in the common room while Diego eats another dinner (I have no idea how) with some friends of the girl at the front desk…we are the only people staying in the hostel tonight. Tomorrow we will be forced to move to another hostel because this one is closing down for the holidays, but no big deal, we found a place called Poets hostel and plan on bringing in the holiday with the crowd over there.

Adventures continue.