How does an adventure begin? When do you know you’re on one? And can we cultivate this feeling? Bring it into being? Manifest it as the Insta-life coaches and their disciples love to say.

I can think of one way. In the words of that great Gonzoist Hunter S Thompson, who was never far from a wild jaunt or mad caper into the unknown, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.”

So that’s what I did. Despite heavy procrastination and listlessness at the thought of another solo trip (I have bought many a single ticket, dear reader), sometimes the gravitational pull of anticipation – no, let’s call it what it is … hope – lures you back on the road.

It’s been a while since I last crossed a border – 2019, in fact. I am in Porto to attend NOS Primavera Sound, now on its ninth edition and attracting more than 70,000 visitors from over 50 countries. But this place has been on my list for a while, a tranquil port city steeped in history, labyrinthine mystery, cobbled character and riverside charm.