Chronicle 1: Welcome Europe’s West Coast
I arrived in a new country. Heavy backpack, an even heavier suitcase, messy sleep, jetlag, but above all happy and full of desire to explore. GPS on. Hostel address at hand. Metro line identified. Here we go!
After a few minutes under the town, I arrive at my new world. And what a beautiful city, how lucky am I! Shoving the suitcase through the Portuguese stone streets had been a challenge. Then the hills came, the heat and the sidewalks with parked cars. Everything was incredible and beautiful anyway!
Almost dying, I reach the address. A door and a plate. It is still 7 am and it only opens at 10 am. Okay, I am watching life sitting by the entrance. The time comes. I go up two floors dragging all the luggage and myself. The environment is simple, and no reminiscence of Facebook hostels. A lovely lady tells me that everything is fine.
I felt hungry: should I search for a restaurant? No, I happen to be a student again. I go to the supermarket and go shopping for a week. Pasta, bread, cheese and cookies cannot be forgotten. A friendly helper from the hostel assists me. Everything properly identified and kept in the right places. I need sustenance, so let’s cook. I take the opportunity to meet the other “residents” of the place.
Everything is ready, but it lacks a little more flavour. Two glass jars with black powder on the microwave. Can I use them? Yes of course. Wow how weird, do you eat this anyway here? Laughing a lot, the friendly helper apologises. My God, this is sand, who would put it in the kitchen?!
When I woke up the next day, all my purchased items were gone from the fridge!
*Written in 2018.
