The idea of flying out after work was in hopes that the exhaustion would prevent insomnia. Crying babies and the physical discomfort of a 7 hour night flight in a micro seat trumped my fatigue.
Either the aircraft seat space is shrinking or I am expanding. Even the chair back table was half it's normal size as was the micro meal that was served. Thankfully the wine was a full serving.
I slept for maybe 30 minutes total time... in an upright position. It was otherwise an uneventful flight and yes, that's a good thing!
After landing, all passengers were kept waiting in a hall for over an hour without moving so much as an inch.
We were already dehydrated, hungry and eager for fresh air.
We were feeling too grateful to be on an adventure to complain and so remained patient. Eventually we were released to a room of turnstiles with thousands of passengers.
Most people were patient however many missed connecting flights and were beyond disappointed. After hours passed, some travelers began to succumb to the exhaustion of standing for a prolonged period of time and medics were brought in.
5 and a half hours had passed before we reached the customs officer. She asked us 2 questions. Where are you going and please remove your mask. Stamp. Stamp. Off you go. Did not ask about vaccines (in fact no one did at either airport) and did not ask for covid test results (an $80 money grab for Shoppers Drugmart and/or Ontario Health)
We purchased 2 Litres of water at an airport shop near the exit to bring us back to life and quickly escaped into a taxi feeling traumatized.
Our taxi driver was a little old man named Orlando who must have sensed our need for silence for he said not a word. He drove like a 16 year old kid who just got his license and was still learning to brake with a gentle foot. It was a challenge to relax. He did however get us quickly to our guest house in central Lisbon. We checked in with ease and were happy with our 3rd floor room overlooking the cobblestone streets.
The stairs were narrow and a little short for Dominick's size 13 feet but the view was worth the extra climb.
We freshened up and hoped for a nap but the excitement over shadowed the fatigue.
Instead of napping we toured our neighbourhood and found a pharmacy, a coffee stand, a market and a patio.
We were more hungry than tired so both ordered up a traditional fish dinner swimming in olive oil. I had cod sitting on a bed of potatoes and rapini.
Dominick had fish stuffed with veggies and bacon.
Of course I had a large glass of much needed wine and it was excellent!
We couldn't help but notice how attractive all the locals were and laughed hysterically at some fairly hideous pictures we took of each other.
It was a day and evening that covered every range of emotion but ended in liberating laughter.
I've thought often of my grandparents as I hear portuguese spoken all around me and am pleased with how much I remember and am able to speak and understand.
This has never been my home but I certainly feel at home here.
Boa Noite!
Beijos xx
