Day 14. Santiago de Compostela

So, we arrived. We took the customary photos in the main square, we smiled at the other arriving pilgrims and we went in search of the pilgrim’s office. To be honest my feet/blister were screaming for a bar but Sara’s excitement and enthusiasm won the day, and it was a good choice as there was no queue. Once we’d collected our compostela we found the nearest hostelry and joined other pilgrims for a farewell drink. Oh my word the simple pleasure of removing shoes!

The rest of the day was simple…check in… eat tapas… sleep.

Continue reading →

Day 13. Iria Flavia to Santiago de Compostela

Just a little note to say that we made it… hot and footsore after a 26km last day… we’d planned for 22km and the last hour was unexpected 😃 But it’s been fab… now for a rest before planning the next one!

Thank you for all the kind words of encouragement!  We’re tourists tomorrow before our flight home on Tuesday… I’m going to try the rooftop tour which will be a challenge for a girl that dislikes heights!  😎

Day 12. Caldas de Reis to Iria Flavia

Our little room last night was way more comfy than we had expected. We had a room for four with a shared bathroom but as the only guests in the house, we had the place to ourselves. Continue reading →

Day 11. Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis

Jaqui and I shared a small double bed last night. We laughed in the morning that we’d both hugged the sides and left a big gap in the middle. And at some stage we were both hot and kicked the covers into the middle but then it became cold again we must have grabbed them back… but only one cover each; so neither of us really got warm and the room was pretty cold when we got up. We all dressed quickly and left early in search of breakfast. Pontevedra is a big town but we struggled… eventually we were directed to the same square where we ate lunch yesterday… hot coffee, toast, free churros and orange juice. Perfect. Continue reading →

Day 10. Arcade to Pontevedra

It was cold this morning. We knew we only had a short day so we slept in. It was a nice albergue and only us and a Spanish couple staying… they lent us their hair dryer which Sara used to dry her washing with this morning. Continue reading →

Day 9. O Porrino to Arcade

Last night’s albergue has to be one of the best that I’ve ever stayed in. Very well maintained, lovely owner, hot shower and the best bed I’ve slept on in a while. The bunks were a bit like old train bunks all lined up side by side but in your own little cocoon… complete with light and plug and curtain. Oh I didn’t want to get out of bed this morning! Continue reading →

Day 8. Valenca to O Porrino

I met up with Jaqui and Sara last night for dinner and they recounted their long day through woods and pretty little villages.  It was a bit up and down and they said that there was no way I would have coped with my ankle… so I think I made the right choice.   Valenca, that had been so busy earlier was deserted at night so we found one of the few (three) open restaurants and had a lovely meal of hot soup and chicken… washed down with a little chilled Portuguese white wine. Then we said our good night’s and headed off in opposite directions. I must admit it felt more than a little spooky wandering these empty fortified streets alone and I was glad to get back to my little room. Continue reading →

Day 7. Caminha to Valenca

I loved my hotel room last night. It was absolutely the right choice and the perfect treat. I chatted (facetimed) Gerry when I woke up and had  breakfast at around 9.00 with Maggie (well not with Maggie because she’s in Australia) but she messaged me and we reminisced about the Via and our pilgrim adventures.  Next was the luxury of a morning shower, my laundry was all dry and I cleaned and threaded my blisters. What a good way to start the day! Continue reading →

Day 6. Viana do Castelo to Caminha

The alburgue in Viana was OK.   It seemed at first very promising, walking through long convent like corridors… convents are always warm and clean.  However once we arrived in the Albergue part of the building we were locked in on our side… And our side was spartan.  But that’s the camino so you just roll with it. Continue reading →