24th-26th December 2018
Christmas in Porto with couchsurfing friends
I spent Christmas in Porto, and it turned out to be one of the most unexpected and heartwarming experiences of my travels. I stayed at a Brazilian guy I had met on Couchsurfing, who had invited a whole group of other Brazilians to celebrate Christmas at his place.
That night, I found myself in a lively apartment filled with laughter, music, and the warmth of 18 Brazilians, all sharing food, stories, and a beautiful festive spirit. Even though I was far from home, it felt like family. The energy, the kindness made it a Christmas I’ll never forget.
The next day, I went out to explore Porto, walking its charming streets and admiring the mix of colorful houses, old trams, and riverside views. As the day ended, I witnessed a gorgeous sunset over the Douro River — the sky glowing in warm tones above the bridges and rooftops.
It was a perfect way to wrap up a Christmas full of warmth, joy, and unexpected connection. Porto gave me a memory that felt both magical and deeply human... a reminder that sometimes, the best celebrations happen far from where you expected them.
That night, I found myself in a lively apartment filled with laughter, music, and the warmth of 18 Brazilians, all sharing food, stories, and a beautiful festive spirit. Even though I was far from home, it felt like family. The energy, the kindness made it a Christmas I’ll never forget.
The next day, I went out to explore Porto, walking its charming streets and admiring the mix of colorful houses, old trams, and riverside views. As the day ended, I witnessed a gorgeous sunset over the Douro River — the sky glowing in warm tones above the bridges and rooftops.
It was a perfect way to wrap up a Christmas full of warmth, joy, and unexpected connection. Porto gave me a memory that felt both magical and deeply human... a reminder that sometimes, the best celebrations happen far from where you expected them.
