I spent the first half of yesterday doing two things: Going to the mall for free internet access, unfortunately, the wrong mall and I could not connect (the other mall was much further away), and also trying to find a box or tube to send a couple cool posters home. The post office doesn’t have boxes, only envelopes, and none of the dozen people I asked had any idea where to find something. It is as if the people of Porto never mail any packages. I don’t understand. I ended up taking a cardboard box out of a recycling pile and making my own triangular mailing tube. I used my pocket knife and a pen and cut and folded my way into being a public spectacle—I had an audience of about eight people that were baffled by what I was doing. It was hilarious. Then came the problem of needing tape which is also not available at the post office. I wandered until I found a hardware store, but they did not have tape to sell. The proprietor spoke no English at all, yet we got along fine and he used his own tape to carefully secure my package, refused any payment, and shook my hand with a smile.
This has been typical of Porto. A bus driver guessed that I wanted to go to the hostel and let me off right in front because I missed my stop a block back; another driver let me ride for free because he didn’t have change for a $20; other riders asked me if I was knew I the bus wasn’t going to the city center where most tourists go; shop people were always helpful; restaurant people didn’t treat me like a faceless tourist; and so on.
The second half of the day I wandered across the bridge to the Port caves, a 10 minute walk. I went in a few and settled on Vasconcellos, which is a small, high-quality, family house. I was the only one for the English tour and got personal treatment, and a very nice bottle of Tawny before I left. There was no way I was going to Porto with buying a bottle of port; besides, it is so much cheaper from the family that makes it than after a few middlemen in the states. I spent 20 euro for a bottle that would have cost me twice as much at home.
Today I flew to Madeira on a plane (made by Airbus) that had more leg room in economy class than I could believe. I actually was able to cross my legs comfortably! I was almost disappointed it was only a two-hour flight. It was nice seeing a driver holding up a sign with my misspelled name on it. Normally, I have to scrounge for transportation. My room is big and has a separate enclosed balcony with a view of a small park, old town Funchal, and fog shrouded mountains above. At my balcony table, I ate roasted chicken with rice and port and enjoyed the view as the sun set in vibrant colors over the tropical paradise of Madeira. Wow.
My internet connection is only 1 Mbps with the lowest signal possible, so I don’t think I will be getting pictures online. I’ll try, no promises though.
