Short Portuguese story from France

The magic Vasco

Benjamin looked at the bridge and sighed… This was a week since he arrived and he was always so sad. When his parents have announced that they have to live in Portugal, Benjamin protested. He didn’t leave; he will stay in Reunion’s island with his friends.

They arrived last week and the boy spoke no longer to his parents. To try to convince him, his parents had decided to show him the city and that’s how he found himself in front of Ponte Luis I. 

“Come Benjamin!” said his mother who walked away. Benjamin was preparing to join her when a small hand tugged at his sleeve.

“Did you see? asked a little girl with black hairs and green eyes.

_ What am I suppose to see?

_ The ghost of Vasco de Gama! cried the little girl.

_ A ghost?

_ Yes! Look! He’s going… let’s go, we have to catch him.”

The girl took his hand and began to run. Benjamin was so surprised than he ran too. They ran so long that they didn’t see the bridge again and Benjamin was tired. He looked around him, Douro was far. They were next a big tower:

“Did you see? He’s going on the top of the Torre dos Clerigos, let’s go!

_ No! I’m so tired, complained Benjamin.

_ Now you’re here, you must come.”

They went at the top, the view was magnificent. Benjamin was happy to be there when suddenly he heard a chuckle.

“Hello young boy, welcome to Porto! said an old and dusty ghost. So Paulina, who’s this guy?

_ A sad boy Sir, replied the little girl. He was near the Douro looking so sad around him then I decided to catch you with him. But it was too easy, you’re always hiding in this tower! said Paulina with a big smile.”

Benjamin was amazing, this girl, Paulina, and this old ghost seem to know each other well.

“Benjamin, why are you so sad? asked Vasco.

Benjamin was not even surprised that the ghost knows his name; he told them his whole story.

“Let’s make a deal, young boy. Paulina will show you the city during this day. At Midnight, I’ll come to see you on your bedroom. If you’re not agree to stay here, I’ll bring you back, ok?” Benjamin was so happy and so sure to go back to Reunion…

So Paulina became his own tourist guide, they went everywhere. First, they were so thirsty than they went to Café Majestic to drink something and then they discovered the Praça Mouzinho De Albuquerque, the Palacio Da Bolsa. Benjamin was well, visiting all with Paulina. They met some Paulina’s friends who invited them to go to The Casa da Musica. When Benjamin heard the Fado, he felt so happy; the singer sang his own feelings. On leaving, he heard of Paulina’s friends who were arguing about football teams. They took him to Estadio do Dragao and to Estadio do Bessa XXI to convince him to support one of this team…

The day passed quickly, Benjamin couldn’t forget his new friends. He returned home and wasn’t surprised that his parents do not be worried: a new trick from Vasco the ghost!

Then midnight came and Vasco appeared and we let you, young readers, to guess the answer that Benjamin gave to Vasco… But don’t forget if one day you feel “saudade” try to find Paulina and Vasco playing hiding games near the Douro!