Day 17 13kms in Porto

Happy Easter to you all!

I woke up this morning with childhood memories on my mind. I fondly remember Easter for the annual chocolate bunnies I would get from my grandmother and my parents. Sometimes the bunnies would be the giant hollow ones that would crumble with the first bite. Other times I'd get the smaller, solid chocolate ones that I would gnaw on for days. I also remember my grandmother having these candies in pastel colours in bowls all over the house. They looked so tasty but in reality tasted gross haha. 

Arriving in Porto today was a bit of a shock for me. I've been hiking on quiet country lanes and now felt dropped in the center of a big and busy city.  Took me a while to get a feel for this city and grasp my sense of direction. 

As I made my way to the old town centre I was increasingly more impressed.

 So many historical buildings and multiple churches all built on steep hills with staggering views.

 I arrived around noon so too early to check in. I paid 6€ to store my bag for the day while I explored. (Should be a free service in my opinion ~ it's not like the guy had to stand there and hold it)

My apartment is across the street from the historical and very beautiful Sao Bento train station .

 My first goal was to eat. I found a cute little burger joint with a patio and ordered a bunless burger and a glass of wine. 

From there I continued to zig zag through the narrow streets, my feet forgetting their pain. I felt weightless without my backpack on. I was taking pictures of every street and every church.

 I was trying to get a nice perspective of an Igreja and took one step backwards. Unfortunately for me, I stepped back into a cement stairwell and free fell backwards. 

I felt the impact on my middle back and my right elbow and my legs split farther than they were designed to. It took a minute of pure shock as I obviously didn't know the stairwell was there and had to try to comprehend what just happened. I was lying there saying  Ow Ow Ow Ow. Nobody came to help me which means nobody saw it happen. Completely possible as I was in the shadows.

My ego forced me to get up through the excruciating pain and my first thought was "Am I broken?" and my second thought was " how am I going to hike a few hundred kms more when I'm not sure I can even tie my shoes?" Thankfully I did not hit my head although I felt dazed and stunned. I told myself to keep moving so my muscles wouldn't seize but every step felt like 15 knives stabbing me in my right kidney. I was wincing and moaning with every step and fought back the tears. I worried about making it back to where my bag was stored and worried even more about putting it on my back. I was moving very slowly but I did eventually get there. First thing I did was take an advil. I walked ever so gingerly to my apartment back in the old quarter, with my pack on. It didn't hurt as badly I thought it would. Heaven help me if I drop something  important because this body can not bend over to pick anything up!

Before I left on this trip I had a bulging disc and was worried about being physically able to do this hike. The heavy backpack seemed to help get things right in my spine. 

For that reason, I had packed icy hot patches and Robaxin back wraps just in case.  I slapped an icy hot patch on and it has helped tremendously. Keep in mind I am walking without a pack for now. My conveniently planned rest days will have to actually be for rest.

It is most likely a soft tissue strain and hopefully not a fractured rib. Either way, I feel like I've been in a UFC fight and been round house kicked in the back. I sneezed twice and it was like being kicked again. It was a major loser moment, probably my biggest of all time but it took my mind off my feet! Hahaha. Mom... don't worry... I'll be ok. I'm strong like bull.... I'm Portuguese lol.

On a happier note, I have a mini Mercado by my place, bought supplies (including wine) and I just cooked and  ate a fabulous dinner with leftovers for tomorrow.

I've also done all my laundry because that's how I roll.

Despite my pain and having to walk very tenderly, I managed to walk up and down the hills of Porto during the golden hour. 

The waters edge was jammed packed with people and I wonder if it's because of Easter Sunday or if it's always that way.

I hope you have all had a wonderful Easter weekend. It warms my heart that you are all on this journey with me and as a result, I never feel alone. Thank you for that. My back will heal just as my feet have already.

Beijos xx