chawen

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Bem Vindo to Porto

Bom Dia!

Let me take a sip of tawny port. This is a classy joint. They provided a complementary welcome bottle, and I think I earned it.

So the plane that KLM meant to use for the flight didn't show up and didn't show up. Then it did, but it wasn't ready. Group One, including me was finally bussed out to the plane, where we saw the flight crew milling around on the tarmac. At length they were let on board. We waited for about twenty minutes, and then we boarded. I'm happy to report that no one made a fuss. I was worried because I'd booked a taxi and was concerned the driver did not know the plane would be late. I texted her, but the new announced arrival time was overly optimistic.

The flight crew once again was lovely, and I shared my seat row with some official from KLM. They passed out a meal, but instead of eating it I stashed it in my luggage and am enjoying it now. I also have something I can heat up for breakfast.

The crew was very apologetic, but we were not going to arrive any where close to on time. We landed and I limped to baggage claim. My plantar fasciitis is acting up. It won't kill me or prevent me from getting around, but it's not pleasant. By the way, I've fallen into a fashion trend. I noticed nearly every traveler wearing these reenforced shoes.

It took FOREVER for my bag to show up and then I hustled myself to the meeting point. She texted me some instructions and hoola! I got my ride into town.

Porto's old town, where I am staying (and I am paying for the privilege), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I need to get groceries tomorrow, and I'll pick some easy tourist thing to do. My room is named after the famous Luiz I Bridge, a must cross for every visitor.

Bye for nowem