Tui

Day 7
Vila Nova de Cerveira to Tui

Under big blue skies and in the cool morning air, we walked through the remote villages of northern Portugal.

We stopped for a picnic breakfast, courtesy of the old Portuguese lady at our accommodation, who provided us with a packed breakfast of a ham and cheese roll, an apple and a huge piece of cake! 🍰

The breakfast roll was pimped up with the olive oil we’re carrying. And when I say we, I mean Jim! 😋

Finally, after 10km, we came across a town with a café open. Desperate for a loo break, I ordered an espresso and made a dash for the bathroom, only to discover that it took six elderly Portuguese men to find the key! 😂 I think it was the highlight of their day. It certainly wasn’t mine , a rather challenging experience! 🥴

The Camino took us through the magnificent Fortress of Valença, a historic fortified town right on the Portuguese-Spanish border. Its impressive walls date back centuries, and it was quite something to walk through such a remarkable piece of history.

We had the best lunch so far on the Camino! A chicken teriyaki poke bowl , so so good to have some fresh vegetables! 🥗

The café owners were so much fun. We chatted about their move from Argentina to Portugal, books and cooking. The Camino really is about the connections you make along the way. ☺️

After lunch, we walked another 3km across the bridge into Spain and, just like that, lost an hour! 🕰️

Our accommodation tonight is in a convent. It’s absolutely beautiful, although we do have to share it with about 50 other pilgrims!

Today I had some time to think about the past few days and reflect on the experience so far.

One of my thoughts was that, given how much time Jim and I are spending together, I can’t believe how little we annoy each other! 😂 Or perhaps I am annoying, but he just doesn’t say anything?

We definitely have different styles of navigating this Camino. Jim is more focused on where, when and how we’re going to get our next coffee or meal, whereas I’m more of a “the Camino will provide” kind of person.

I know that’s a little woo-woo, but honestly, it really does seem to provide!

We headed out for a drink at a fabulous, kooky bar (see pics). Once again, the publican was such a great guy. Then it was back to the hostel to cook up some vegetable pasta from a jar. Nothing fancy, but it did the job!

It’s now 9.30pm , although, technically, it’s only 8.30pm in Portuguese time! 🇵🇹🇪🇸 Either way, I’m more than ready for bed. 😴

Tomorrow is our last day walking with Sabine and Antonia. We’re really going to miss them. ❤️Read more