Camino Portuguese

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Day 24
Thursday, November 8, 2018
🌧 10 °C
Altitude: 26 m
Spain Real Basílica de Santa María la Mayor 42.433575, -8.64811442°26’1” N 8°38’53” W
Parador
November 8, 2018 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 10 °C
If you have never experienced a Parador, you owe it to yourself to do it once in your life. We had walked from Redondela to Arcada. In the rain and wind. And no Arcadia - just pouring rain. Wet cold feet. So the Parador in Pontevedra was like arriving in heaven. Huge room, with sofa in antechamber, towels for a giant, canopy beds and a bathroom big enough in which to party. A late lunch of tempura calamari and lagostinos brocheta. Yum. Then to church.Read more
TravelerParadise in a Parador.
11/10/18Reply
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Day 25
Friday, November 9, 2018
🌧 11 °C
Altitude: 33 m
Spain Río Bermaña 42.60623, -8.64265442°36’22” N 8°38’34” W
In Galicia, it rains
November 9, 2018 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 11 °C
We started the day with a walk over the famous C15th bridge of Pontevedra. Cafe on leche and chocolate croissants. Then walking along pretty, soft, Galician paths in light rain. And heavy rain. Until we reached an open coffee shop, rather full of dispirited dripping pilgrims. Everyone hoping things would lighten up. But the longer we stayed the heavier the rain got. Then someone read the forecast - some ridiculous amount was forecast for the afternoon. Annette by this time showing signs of a sniffle. We got a taxi. To a very nice, very stylish, newly opened, warm and dry, pousada. Where they washed and dried our clothes - these things matter when walking in the rain!Read more
TravelerDear Jill, Pouring rain for endless hours isn’t even fun for ducks. Glad you could catch a taxi and find yourself in a warm and dry place.
11/10/18Reply
Travelernow here's an idea. if you were to do a camino di Broken Hill you would be sure to break the drought out west. only one problem. the food in western NSW not a patch on Spain. counter meal of chicken parmi and a beer does not have the same ring. So enjoy the good bits, look after that knee and fingers crossed the weather improves
11/11/18Reply
TravelerLooking at this I wish I was over there experiencing the highs and lows but also the overall experience of Galicia. Despite the rain etc enjoy!!!
11/12/18Reply
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Day 26
Saturday, November 10, 2018
🌧 12 °C
Altitude: 267 m
Spain Plaza de Platerías 42.879559, -8.54427442°52’46” N 8°32’39” W
Santiago
November 10, 2018 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 12 °C
The cathedral stands in all its glory and for the first time in years without scaffolding. Welcome to the city of pilgrims. I love this place!

Met up with forum friends at Taberna do Bispo , my favourite tapas bar, did some shopping in the stylish boutiques (Annette bought an absolutely stunning dress), had coffee in the old world charm of Cafe Casino and then - the most amazing private tour of the newly restored Portico of Glory in the Cathedral.
My thanks to Sybille Yates, who made it possible. Photographs are strictly forbidden, so I can’t show you, but the restoration has been beautifully done.

Annette and I are staying in a very nice boutique hotel - right beside the cathedral. The good thing about this time of year is the drop in hotel prices. This place would normally be out of my budget.Read more
TravelerDear Jill Well done and congratulations. Indeed what a different look. Just been watching Rick Stein in Galicia and saw scaffold-free cathedral between tapas and empanadas. Love Robyn
11/12/18Reply
TravelerCongratulations Jill. I can't wait to see the cathedral without the scaffolding. Lovely for you to catch up with those special people. Have enjoyed following you - thanks for the posts- am planning my next one!!
11/12/18Reply
Travelerwell done. congratulations!
11/12/18Reply
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Day 27
Sunday, November 11, 2018
🌧 11 °C
Altitude: 263 m
Spain Plaza de Platerías 42.879627, -8.54434742°52’47” N 8°32’40” W
And the botafumeiro swings
November 11, 2018 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 11 °C
The end of the journey. Prayers for some very special people at the tomb of the Apostle. Candles lit. A hug for James. Mass attended - with A choir and the bishop presiding. How come the men get to wear glorious colourful costumes and the nuns are stuck in dreary black?

And then the botafumeiro swings. Still the best show in town.Read more
TravelerPerhaps the men need more adornment ....
11/12/18Reply
TravelerCongratulations Mum
11/12/18Reply
TravelerCongratulations!
11/13/18Reply
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Trip end
November 11, 2018

Parador

In Galicia, it rains

Santiago

And the botafumeiro swings