Finding treasure on the Camino de Santiago

“Walking is man’s best medicine!” Hippocrates

Day one; Porto To Vila do Conde

Kms; 32kms

There are a few routes to walk the Portuguese Camino, among them the Central Way and the Coastal Way. I had originally wanted to walk the coastal way, as it sounded lovely walking along the sea for 30 plus kms. Then I read about the possibility of hectic winds, and changed my mind. I wanted some of the Coastal experience so I decided to walk Day one along the coast and then to make my way back inland on day 2 to follow The Central Route.

So Day one was really a walk of sea an sky for kilometer after kilometer. Beautiful as the sea always is, and windy and hot, and not one bit of shade to be found unless you stopped off at a beach cafe. I loved the walk and the endless sea and sky that went on forever, but I happy that I decided to go Central Route for the rest. The route was a bit “seaside resort” for me. Each to her own I guess. Make no mistake though it was blue, blue, blue, and the boardwalks were well maintained and all waymarked with Camino arrows.

What ended up being a real treat was the little fishing villages along the way, I am convinced that the people living in those little houses were placed there as props, they were straight from a 1960’s postcard. Colourful an clearly very much real, it was treat to see. Interestingly I saw only three other Pilgrims the entire walk, and two were walking the Fatima Route.

When I got to Vila do Condo that was a treat. The town/village, is vibrant and full of lights. There is a a remarkable Aqueduct that overlooks the town and The Convento de Santa Clara founded in 1318 dominates the skyline. A found the village delightful, my accommodation somewhat stuck in the 70’s but with great views, and no wifi (hence no post).

There was of course the obligatory “Merry go round” or Fair visiting the town to the absolute delight of the children.

Every village in Portugal is clearly celebrating not only the World Cup, but also the festival of St John the Baptist (Sao Joao – missing all sorts of accents I don’t know how to do). There are “Christmas lights” everywhere and there are parties in the streets everywhere for June.

Walking is indeed the best medicine. Once the stress of finding my way onto the path was over , the walking just takes over, and the amazing feeling of relaxation just falls gently over you. Very little thinking and reflecting on day one, just being and enjoying the sensation of putting one foot in front of the other and singing “favourite things” at the top of my voice (out of tune of course). I naturally started playing with my shadow. I am fascinated by how it changes throughout the day. It keeps me royalty entertained. Of course I am fascinated not just by photos of shadows, but by the shadows we all have (but that’s for for another post).

A long day ended with a an unsuccessful attempt at talking with Kyle, but content and ready for Day two.

Gifts; beautiful weather, hot, but with a slight Ocean breeze (apparently it has rained non stop till a few days ago); beautiful boardwalks and well signposted paths; flowers along the path; an easy find of my Hotel after many kms of walking; spotting a beautiful 2cv for Warwick