Finding treasure on the Camino de Santiago

“We have nothing to lose and a world to see!” Anon

17th and 18th June 2018

Kms walked: 13

Porto Cathedral

I arrived in Porto after a three and a half hour train ride. Found my Hotel after wandering around like a lost fart for 30 mins. Santa Catarina Suites turned out to be just lovely and so welcoming. My room is gorgeous, it looks down on the main shopping street and is light, bright and modern. Very trendy and very central.

My room at Santa Catarina in Porto

I went exploring as soon as I had settled in. I had no idea what direction to walk in but wanted to find the Duoro river and the Cathedral. Miraculously i stumbled onto the Dom Luis I bridge and walked across it to discover a patch of grass resembling an amphitheater with hundreds of people waiting fr the sunset. It was so energising Music playing, drinks being sold, picnics happening. Watched a group of young people doing acrobatics. Enjoyed a G&T watching the sun go down over Porto. I love stumbling onto unexpected surprises on my travels.

Scenes of sunset over Porto

I stumbled onto a little tapas bar around 23h00 and had a delicious meal.

I found my first Camino signs to be followed when I start walking. An old man called out to me when I took a photo of the arrow – “Senora, Camino de Santiago, Camino de Santiago”. How is it even possible that those words can make one teary.

Camino Arrows and signs to follow

MONDAY 18TH JUNE

I decided to take it slow an easy this morning. Was presented with a gorgeous breakfast wheeled to my room. Only left my room after 11h00 and made my way to find a Yellow Sightseeing bus. The tour showcased the most beautiful parts of the historic UNESCO City.

Breakfast

A hot hot hot day on the bus watching the Porto world go by. A cruise on the Douro to explore the six bridges. What magnificent structures! Lunch in a side street cafe. Back on the bus to go out to Matosinhos. Not that fun, huge traffic jams, but still beautiful.

Porto is an absolutely gorgeous City (Town?). It has such amazing sights to see, it is a world heritage sight after all. It’s the home of Port. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe and it is so easy to navigate once you get your bearings.

Gifts from Porto: a lovely receptionist Anna that gifted me a bottle of wine when I asked for ice for my warm wine. A waiter that decide I needed a Free glass of wine. My first Camino arrow, and finding my way to the surprise gathering on the hill and watching the sunset.

THE DOORS OF PORTO – THE SMELL OF POSSIBILITY

And tomorrow my Camino begins ………..