The exciting Douro historical train
A journey that will stay with us forever.
I woke up startled... I couldn't understand why Vasco was already up, so agitated... The only thing he said to me was: "Get up, we're late".
I realised, however, that he had already packed me a small suitcase and that a few minutes later, we were heading for Lisbon - Oriente train station. Wider awake, I asked him where we were going, and all he said was, "You don't want me to spoil the surprise for you..." He seemed a bit nervous.
After a few hours, we arrived in Régua. I thought I had it all figured out! We're going to spend a weekend with my aunt and uncle, who live near there! But I quickly put the idea out of my mind as we were heading for a hotel. He just told me that he'd got a good discount and that we'd enjoy walking around for the rest of the day.
The next day, we went to visit the Douro Museum in the morning, but after lunch, we went back to Régua station. I didn't understand (for a change...). Were we leaving for home already? My thoughts were interrupted by the sudden sound of an old locomotive. It seemed as if we had suddenly gone back in time or that we had accidentally stumbled into a film. I looked at Vasco and he smiled and said: "Do you like it?". Do I like it? I love it!" (Finally the surprise!).
Apparently, he'd planned everything and explained to me that CP has "Packs" for people who don't live close by and that he'd paid a lot for the "Centre Pack" with trips, plus the discount on the hotel when he showed his train ticket. The incredible landscape that inspires me so much appeared out of the window, and suddenly, we were no longer just Joana and Vasco, a young couple, but a lady in love and a gentleman with a beard and top hat. It was a real journey back in time!
It wasn't long before the entertainment arrived in our carriage. A group of "traditional singers" grabbed our attention with their tambourines and called us to dance to the sound of the accordion and tiny guitar. The lady with the drum suddenly stopped playing and turned to me. I thought she was going to ask me to sing, but she pulled me by the hand and said with a smile on her face: "Daughter, I think that handsome young man wants to say a few words to you..." I turned around and see Vasco kneeling on the floor with a small ring in his left hand (here was the real surprise!!).
I think you know the end of the story; we returned home at the end of the best two days of my life... Oh, and I said, "YEEEEEES!"
