Airports and more Birthday

 On the day before my birthday my lovely boyfriend came to see me too, which was great. Missed him a bunch and waiting at the airport for him to come through arrivals was like something from a cheesy 90's film!

Anywho for those ERASMUS students flying into Porto airport and travelling to Coimbra here is a quick rundown of the public transport out here. There are always more buses/trains in the morning so book an early flight if you can. The Metro in Porto is very straightforward and you can travel to Porto Campanhã (Main station in Porto) in about 40 minutes for under 2€. You have to pay 50 cent for the Metro card 'Andante' so hold on to it and you can top it up when you fly back home. When you arrive at the station you have 2 choices. Regional or ALFA. If you decide the cheaper regional option you have to take 2 trains and change over in Aveiro for about 10€. The other option is ALFA which with a name like that needs some dramatic background music. Da da daaaa! It is the quicker more expensive option and you will pay 16,50€ to board the Da da daaaa ALFA PENDULAR. The regional trains aren't as comfortable as the ALFA ones and you have more leg room and a TV stuck to the ceiling. But I guess your decision is based on whether it's worth it. I think it is for the lack of faffing about between stations. Also the colour scheme on the regional trains (baby blue and orange) was surely picked out by a nutter. Another thing about the trains is keep ahold of your ticket because of the ticketman. I think he takes a certain pleasure out of stamping those things. I'll let you judge for yourself. When you finally arrive at Coimbra B you can either wait for the connecting train to Coimbra A which is free or pay 5 Euros to be taken to your doorstep in the taxi outside. If you decide on walking for the love of God take a bag with WHEELS. It'll save you a back load of aching.

Back to the boyfriend who spent my 21st with me and bought me a kindle! I'm an addict and I love my kindle so much. I already have 6 books downloaded and the one I'm reading now is 'The Help.' I'm determined to read the book before I see the film and I might even do a side blog of book reviews. One thing at a time though since this blog takes priority.

We spent the weekend with my family in Benavente. One of the cats has been given away leaving one who is twice the trouble and cuteness. She's a right scamp. Dad invited 14 family members over for a sit down meal for my birthday and was so busy on the food that he didn't eat with us which was a bit of a shame. The food was absolutely amazing and I'm going to write it all down here so I don't forget!

 I enjoyed the food so much I didn't even take a picture of it but I didn't take some of the desserts before they were served up. They're the best part of the meal anyway.

My Birthday cake and the Bakewell Tart

Dad serving up the Champers

The dining room that we have only used a handful of times all decced out by my lovely Nan.

My birthday banners and balloons.

Apple Pancakes and Syrup

 A great night was had by all and I'm a very lucky girl.

Visitors

The week before last was my 21st birthday and surprisingly I felt younger turning 21 than I did 20. Didn't really like leaving my teen years behind. Anyway went to the associasão, got drunk, the usual. What was really nice was that My boyfriend, Mum and Dad all flew out (at different times) to come and visit me for my 21st. First over was my Dad who fixed all the problems in the house, so thanks to super-dad I now have a dishwasher that works, a brand new fridge and a mouse free kitchen. I wish I was lying about the last part, because I'm still having nightmares about that creepy rodent. Anyway it was lovely having him here in Coimbra the weekend before my birthday and here's what we got up to...

First off, we went to the Park next to Praça da Republica.

First off, we went to the Park next to Praça da Republica.

Then we walked past the Statue of the Pope towards the aqueduct.

We then stopped at the Botanic Garden which is full of plants from every continent.

We then stopped at the Botanic Garden which is full of plants from every continent.

The only thing missing from this photo is Peter Rabbit.

The only thing missing from this photo is Peter Rabbit.

We also got shown around the off limits green houses where the mimosa moves when you touch it and these Victoria Lilies can hold a baby of up to 30kgs in weight.

We also got shown around the off limits green houses where the mimosa moves when you touch it and these Victoria Lilies can hold a baby of up to 30kgs in weight.

Then we moved on to Se Velha and had a quick peek at the touristy shops and church. There are loads of churches in Coimbra like there are many castles in Wales. I kid you not. Next we went down 'Quebra das costas' (which is a set of steps called the 'Back-breaker'), and into praça 8 de maio for some lunch. We had chanfana which is a local dish made from old goat cooked slowly in wine. It's reeeally good and I've become a bit of an addict. It's all I eat when I go out now!

Bellies full, we walked down to the river and talked to many fishermen because this is what pops likes to do. Also tried to hunt out some fish with our beady eyes. He had more luck than me.

Next we went to Portugal dos Pequentitos on the other side of the Mondego River. This is a model village of Portugal where you can learn all about the discoveries. To be honest with you though it's more of a play pen for little kids and they were everywhere when we went! Was a bit odd! Still worth having a look at though.

Next we went to Portugal dos Pequentitos on the other side of the Mondego River. This is a model village of Portugal where you can learn all about the discoveries. To be honest with you though it's more of a play pen for little kids and they were everywhere when we went! Was a bit odd! Still worth having a look at though.

This is an example of one of the models. Only just big enough to walk inside of.

This is an example of one of the models. Only just big enough to walk inside of.

On the side of the little houses were captions and quotes and here are some of the ones I quite liked. 'Don't leave for tomorrow, that which you can do today.'

On the side of the little houses were captions and quotes and here are some of the ones I quite liked. 'Don't leave for tomorrow, that which you can do today.'

'Those who go to be late and wake up early have health, possessions and wisdom.'

'Those who go to be late and wake up early have health, possessions and wisdom.'

'Treat animals well. Give them space and food, they are not our equal, but help you to live.'

'Treat animals well. Give them space and food, they are not our equal, but help you to live.'

'Work is the Father of Happiness. God always gives to those who work.'

'Work is the Father of Happiness. God always gives to those who work.'

'To the man the square, to the woman the home.'

'To the man the square, to the woman the home.'

'Only those who think well, speak and write well.'

'Only those who think well, speak and write well.'

Then we went to the 'Jardim da Manga' for a bite to eat. The name of this place translate literally as 'The Garden of the Sleeve', since a King walked past the open land one day and designed the oversized pigeon coup (not really a pigeon coup but looks it) on his sleeve and had it built the next day. It was built in the 1500's and is a nice place to go and eat.

All of this in a day, so hopefully this gives ERASMUS students ideas about where to take their visitors if they're so lucky to have them.