We got everything packed up this morning and I was so proud of how efficient we were and the fact that the Saturday market didn't impede John's ability to drive the van up close enough to avoid a long walk (we already had two flights of stairs) and two streets to cross. We loaded it all in and by magic it fit like a perfect puzzle, so much so that we snapped a picture so we could remember for next time. It's either perfect, or packed so wonky that it springs out when we open the back door.
The problem was that I got too cocky, and the minute we had everything in, the feud started. Ava had officially created "barf seat cooties" on the last car trip and because we hadn't had time to properly do a deep hygienic clean of her seat, she agreed to sit there again. The question was, who was sitting next to her. Lucia would normally, but the kids have taken turns switching front to back, so it was officially Lucia and Ava's turn to sit up front, and the littles to sit in the back. Lucia flat out refused to keep it consistent and stay back with Ava until the next ride. What ensued was a battle of wills between the kids, that lasted a full 10 minutes and totally quashed my hyper-organized departure pride. In the end Romeo sat in the back with Ava and it only cost us 10 euros. At least we can count on Romeo's fiscal desires.
After that outburst the 3 hour drive was relatively quiet. I think the kids were spent from their obnoxious start to the day. The scenery was pretty, much lusher than the last ride, and there were lots of vineyards. Our destination was Porto, but we detoured to Coimbra, which has the oldest and most prestigious university in Portugal. A darling town, very hilly, and quaint. We had a big, relatively successful lunch during which we talked about everything from EMP bombs and Ava's hairy armpits. She's gone full European on us and "sometimes" remembers to shave and other times declares, "why should she do it if men don't have to?" Uhm, maybe because it looks better? She also told us that it wasn't uncommon for guys in her school in Provence to shave their armpits. So they took their cue from women, and she's taking her cue from men. Does that make any sense at all?
We hit the road again and headed to Porto, arriving to an apartment in the middle of the old part of the city, 4 flights up. Oh, and with no elevator. I have walked a LOT of steps, let me tell you. The kids and I unloaded most of the luggage and set it in the foyer while John went to find a carpark, and because the suitcases weight almost as much as Romeo and Gia, I had to run up and down the stairs to take mine, then Romeo's, then Gia's up. I might not be doing my yoga routine, but I'm definitely getting exercise.
We had to endure another long fight between the two camps of kids as to which bedroom was whose. They are supposedly taking turns picking, but there was some disagreement as to who actually got to pick last time. It's entirely possible everyone is getting sick of each other, the bickering seems to be increasing.
Porto is darling. Total foodie city. You can't walk 5 feet without running into another cool restaurant. The menus are funky, with lots of codfish dishes, and odd meat and animal parts...most of which I have no desire to even look at. There is just so much to choose from though, John was instantly totally jazzed up about Porto (he had been worried before that it was going to be a "dreary" city.) It's a great city though, love it. What I don't love quite as much is the apartment. It's perfectly lovely, except for three things that will make it hard. One, the internet is dial up slow. Two, there are 5 million miniature sugar ants. The kids left the cereal out for 2 minutes and the table was swarming with them. Gross. Three, Romeo & Gia's room is small, and small enough that they can't really unpack or get settled properly. Small thing, but makes it hard for them.
John and I fed the little kids (Ava & Lucia went out together for dinner separately), and then John and I went out for amazing carnita tacos and a glass of wine and I snapped the pic of the wall art which said "taco dirty to me." That's just funny stuff right there. Final determination was that we would cut our 3 night Porto stay to 2 nights, and add a night in São Gens which is in the country, has a pool, and is a big house. The kids won't last two full days and another two full nights in this city. It's absolutely great, but they can only shop, walk, and eat so much. There is the beautiful riverfront and some amazing churches to see, but a day and a half will be just enough and we'll leave Monday early afternoon. Not all the airbnb's can be "hits" I guess and the last two were great so we were due one that was less than great.
Signed, ME {lv}
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