Playing Catch-Up

I have so much to say! But I doubt you want to read ALL my ramblings.

I should have prepped posts even though I had no internet connection. I'm usually good with that. Oh well…

So we went to the beach in Apulia. Stunning. The waves were wild and the wind was constant and the beach was deserted. It was kind of magical.

We checked out the old windmills I had mentioned, which were really just cylindrical tiny buildings with pointy roofs. I think they should turn them into luxury summer homes. It would be incredible.

I ended up making cheese and onion risotto for Diane's family. Only to find out once I put it on the table that most of them weren't crazy about cheese. Ooooops. But they all ate it and had no complaints, so I'll take that as a success.

I wish I had gotten a picture with them. I should have.

The house was very cold because of the time of year and proximity to the ocean. So the Mom, Maria, gave us both flannel sweaters to keep. She's an angel. Those sweaters were game changers.

After Apulia we went back to Porto. We wandered the city separately, I went down to the water and was serenaded by street performers. I also met some "messengers" who were really just fixed gear cyclists that looked like messengers. I should have got a picture of them too…

Our room was much fuller this time around, and no homeless men which was nice. Some Americans, some Germans, and two Spaniards (a father and son). The son, I swear, must have been in the military or navy in a past life. All his drawings were war scenes, and he drew them so quickly and realistically it was like he drew them from memory.

This morning we were supposed to get up early to go to Braga. Instead we slept in and went to a suggested look out spot. It's called the Dom Henrique Hotel, and on the 17th floor there is a bar with a patio that overlooks the entire city. It was absolutely beautiful. You could see ocean and mountains on either side. We sat there for hours, drinking Mateus, bathing in the windless sunlight.

After that we got back to the hostel for me to pack up and leave. My flight was at 8:15 to Madrid, I gave myself enough time to get lost and still get there on time. I didn't get lost, so I got there with ample time.

The flight was very short. But the navigation from the airport to the hostel took me the better part of two hours. I'm honestly so proud of myself for navigating that subway system stress-free. I just told myself to take deep breaths (to get enough oxygen to my brain), and just be patient and study the signs.

I got to the right stop, eventually, and walked 20 minutes through the streets of Madrid at Midnight. Something I swore I wouldn't do… walk alone after dark. But the streets were well lit and there were people everywhere.

I eventually made it to my destination. This place is huge. In my room alone there's like 20 beds, and theres a TON of rooms.

Everyone's been really friendly and helpful so far. I've met Canadians, Americans, Australians, Argentinians, Chinese, you name it, they are here. I imagine I'll meet a lot more tomorrow.

I've got to say, I am so grateful right now for fast smooth internet. SO grateful.

Ok, I'll end it here. I've given you a lot to read.

Thanks again,

All my love,