Camino Portuguese 2023

Today is Day 7 of this Camino journey. 

We entered Spain in Tui and have walked in total about 130 km.

I think it’s time for a bit of reflection….

1 week in, well I do know I am  10 years older and less fit: not sure if that’s an excuse for it feeling harder. 

I suspect the memory blunts the difficult bits so is probably not that different really. 

Secondly, there seems a lack of albergues, well at least the municipal and donativos, even the donativa will often mark the price they expect.

 Most places we have stayed are private and we are now feeling the pressure to book. 

I feel this has limited our ability to be flexible. I guess not really a problem, but a pressure that takes away from the experience of “placing one’s future in the the hands of the Camino” aka yellow arrows.

We are also missing the camaraderie, our camigos. Maybe because the Camino Frances was longer, maybe there are 4 of us… I don’t know, maybe it will change or evolve.

Regardless we have quickly slipped into the “routine”, and enjoying a simpler existence.

Today we planned a shorter day, almost a bit of a rest day. We really don’t have time to take a whole day..

Today was fun.

We are a bit excited to be entering Spain. 

After a few hours of walking again through the country lanes and only stopping for one coffee break, we arrived in Valencia late morning.

Fascinated by the old town within the medieval walls.

Also fascinated by the shopping Mecca that has been allowed to develop inside the walls.

Anyhoo, we crossed the river Minho or mino and entered Spain.

After another few kilometres( mostly uphill) we arrived at our accommodation for the night.

Convent de Camino, which has been lovingly restored by a young couple. 

It was a monastery built about 1330, by monks who moved out of town away from competition. 

The government took it over after it fell into disrepair to use for military, school and other assorted government uses until again, it fell into disrepair and was auctioned off in mid 1960’s.

 our host’s grandparents bought it, repaired it. Their daughter lived here, and our host was born and brought up here. His wife and him have modified, repaired and modernised it, opening up as an albergue 5 years ago.

Really tired so headed out for something to eat. Of course it’s Spain and the locals won’t eat until 8, which is when I plan to be sound asleep.

Pilgrims menu at cafeteria Santa Colombia. 

10 euros which included a ridiculously huge main meal, desert and wine.

Now to roll back to our convent.