5/16 On my way to Vilarinho

Bed by a window
In an old monastary,
Soft lulluby breeze.

I woke at 5 this morning, feeling ready for another days walk. A yellow vested man (standing as proud as a hero) helped me with the ticket vendor machine at the metro center. I took the metro out of the suburban spread of Porto to Moreira(13k). I stepped off into the countryside, with that familiar smell of cow manure. I was content to be back on the country road again. I gps my way back to the camino route.
On my way, I met a young man from Australia. He says he's been dreaming of doing this for years. Now turning 30, he finally has the opportunity. Together, we sat at a roadside café and drank our morning coffee. I ordered a sumo de naranja ( fresh squeezed orange juice) along with a nata custard pastry. I bought one for Ben, telling him that this is the taste of Portugal. He gladly inhaled it. We brushed through the bits of our lives and exchanged our "pleasure to meet you," and then he sprinted away. I lumbered on. I'm only walking 10 to 12 miles each day. That's what feels best for me. I then have plenty of time for clothes washing, preparing a meal, taking the time to absorb my surroundings, and for writing a bit. I think I've got my rhythm down now, a lot less hectic and painless. More people are showing up, even some people whome I haven't seen since the beginning of my walk. We're all feeling lighter now and friendlier. Most of us have found our groove.
This 11th century Monastery was a perfect land today. It has the mystery of history in it, and it's well taken care of. I was the first to arrive before opening time, but the kind fellows let me in early. I was washed, had clothes hung, and I had first choice of bed before the swarm came in. There was donation food left by others, and I was able to cook up a pan of spagetti to share. This has been one of those shiny star days of my journey! I'm feeling quite happy. I love the sound of the birds here!Read more