Coimbra-rest

Sometimes rest is required.

I had planned this rest day (which I turned into two days) and made reservations for this room/ bathtub in January. I have stayed in mostly very humble accommodations but on the days I have planned to rest, I sought out someplace luxurious. I had fabulous rest. I struggle with allowing myself to be still, so this has been good for me.

I have felt very spoiled the last two days, being served breakfast in bed, soaking in that gorgeous tub, sleeping in a private room. The time of rest has allowed my left foot to begin to feel better. Today I visited the pharmacy and got some ointment to help it heal. Even with only walking about 3k each day exploring Coimbra my calves are still sore. Tulsa and Bentonville just didn’t have adequate hills for me to get my legs in shape. They say you don’t train for the Camino, the Camino trains you, I guess that is proving to be true for me.

Coimbra is a large vibrant city with the third oldest University in the world. I visited the “new church” built in 1200 and was able to attend Mass. I am a foodie so I loved exploring the market. It was filled with fishmongers, fresh produce, cheeses, bread; a cooks dream!

I will leave tomorrow taking the subway to the edge of Coimbra to avoid the walk along the highway. I worked on my plans some as I have had time. I have decided that whenever the guide says “dangerous highway walking, be aware of your surroundings and do not wear headphones”, I am going to find a way around it, even if it means taking some kind of transportation.

Hostels are filling up and reservations are becoming essential. I have started planning my stays a few days out. My friend I walked with the other day, had to stop because she couldn’t find a place to stay within a reasonable distance for her knee. I don’t want to get in that spot.

Time to fill the tub one last time!Read more