Portela de Tamel to Valença

Before 6:00 am today, Charles and I had created a new plan for our way of St. James. We said Bom Caminho to our new pilgrim friends, with prayers to meet them in Santiago. We then had a restful, scenic train ride to Valenca, Portugal.
After checking into a lovely pensione, Residencias Portas do Sol, we went shopping! Lunch and two taxis later, Charles had new sandals, socks, and medical supplies for his blistered feet. I also picked up tips for my poles and a tiny, lightweight day pack. Mission accomplished!
Today was about solving practical problems, making some albergue reservations, and enjoying gorgeous views. We had a delightful lunch in Tui, Spain with a view of Portugal. We replanned our daily walks to Santiago. And we enjoyed our corner room in the Forteleza section of Valença. It has beautiful views of the lively street below as well as the Portugal landscape.
We are resting now on plump pillows under comfy sheets. The private bathroom seems luxurious. Tomorrow, we go back to our pilgrim life refreshed and ready for whatever comes our way. Our focus will be walking, praying, eating, and sleeping with lots of self care. Y’all pray for us.Læs mere