Day 1 complete

Today was a long travelling day! I underestimated how tired I would feel arriving at my 1st stop 12hrs from when I left London. I'm knackered and officially I haven't even started the Camino yet. Well I'm going to get 2 stamps today and make today my official start! I only wish the bus schedules worked out so I arrived in Valenca early enough to get stamped there. That would've been a fabulous start on my credentials. Currently it only recorded on here as my official start to walking.

The bus ride from Santiago to Valenca was good but frozen. The driver for some unknown reason wanted to have the air on 17C. I arrived to Valenca at 7.45pm Spanish time and the sun was quickly setting. I had a 50min walk from that bus stop over a scary bridge to Spain and my accommodation. I'm so glad I booked in advance otherwise I'd not have a space. I got a bit lost trying to find the bridge out of Valenca but finally got on track and hurried across the bridge border lines of Portugal and Spain to get to my accommodation before check-in closed. It was a sweaty walk because night time temps are currently 22C.

I checked into my accommodation and quickly set out to find dinner. Surprisingly I'm not hungry but I need another stamp and I know I need the fuel for tomorrow. The only food I've had all day was a pret flat white, a vegan jerky, half a bag of Fritos, and 10 strawberries. Also my water consumption is abysmal. I've only drank 330mls. That's insane for all day.

I've found a cute little restaurant filled with pilgrims. I chose not to get the pilgrims menu but just a tortilla with prawns and cheese and beer. Costs the same and I don't have to face rice tonight. I'm pleased to have a high protein meal.

I've covered 12km and over 17,000 steps and it's not a official walking day! I'm excited for what tomorrow will bring. I'm tucked into my little bunked cocoon. It's quite cozy for what it is. It's very noisy but there are only 4 people on this room and I don't have anyone on the top bunk.

My neighbours just arrived, drunk and making lots of commotion at 10.30pm. Hopefully this is a one off and all hostels aren't this noisy.Read more