Coimbra

Coimbra is a college town... think Harvard... the university was founded in 1290.  So, we are staying at the Hotel Astoria, in the direct center of town.  So last night, they have the annual ritual of baptizing the freshman, where they are marched to the river for a baptism.  So our tour leader decides to join the parade.  Let me describe that insanity... imagine you are leaving a Blazer game only multiply that by 5.  So, in a space designed for 10 humans, you have 50.  It's cheek to jowl, nuts to butts... add a healthy amount of Super Bock, enough to make the streets like ice and the crowd rather tipsy, now... insert 42 screaming 18 year olds.  I was starting to go Asiatic. You start looking for a side exit, but there are none.  You just grab your wallet and keep inching forward.  Tom and I had the rear, I was sticking close to Susan - our leader was a block ahead.  We inched our way through bad beer breath and sweaty bodies.  Finally, we reached an opening in the crowd, shook off our post traumatic stress, and headed to dinner.  Some enjoyed the experience... i did not.