Praia de Matosinhos

My first day as an official pilgrim.

I left the albergue. Saying goodbye to the beautiful Julia and Greg, volunteers from Boston. Such gentle and authentic souls. They were so invested in each and everyone’s Camino.

I left on my own. I walked down into the old town, a little teary at the idea that the day had come. What the day means, I don’t yet know, but it had me emotional.

Not for long as my pilgrim shell on my rucksack was clanging, to the point, I needed to adjust it. I appreciate it might have been a test to ‘zone it out’ or accept the noise. But no, I’m almost 100% definite that my lessons from the Camino don’t include finding peace with a headache inducing clam shell.

I approached Porto Cathedral, while it was still quiet. Mostly other pilgrims, starting their Camino - and who luckily I was able to get a few photos of me starting with Hubba which I’ll treasure. I then sat and waited with my intentions. In that time, I spoke to other pilgrims, who had come for mass. Including Magda and Jon, who I shared my dorm room. And then, I swapped numbers with Lesley and Tim, an almost retired couple from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

I then began. Down the steps, following the litoral path to the river side. It was a stunning descent full of nooks and crannies, inquisitive cats and it was also where I began to understand and experience the spirit of the Camino. Identified as a pilgrim by the shell on my backpack, you begin to be wished Bom Camino, a wish of good hope, for what awaits you. A man, super excited, stopped me in my tracks to tell me the way to coast (in Portuguese!) , high five me and wish me success.

But you soon see more pilgrims come out of the city’s woodwork. And a knowing smile and nod, and greeting of the same wish, “Bom Camino” - no matter the language, hundreds of people are united in a common hope, a wish and of goodness and peace for each other.

As I crossed the road heading towards the sea, I bump into a pilgrim, Angel. From Tampa, Florida. We chat a little, fall into the same pace, and then bond over a silent fear from taking a single file metal grate bottomed boardwalk over the sea. Petrified, we both stepped off, with a look of recognition that wasn’t going to happen again.

We stayed together all the way to my stop, Matosinhos. But in that time we talked life, and the back stories to why we are here now. And what we want to gain from the Camino. Angel’s story was rich, and one which I’ll remember.

But we discussed another hope of the Camino for me. To rediscover or reignite my lost spark.

I then arrive at my next Albergue. Welcomed by the host Luis. It’s an absolute gorgeous surfer/pilgrim haven. Cosy and modern. Tempted to snooze as soon as I was shown my bunk, with curtains (how luxurious) but I decided to head out for a Chocolate Quench, and sort my next lodgings out.

Soon after Lesley, Tom and I (who are staying 2 blocks away) made plans to eat together. Which we did and shared stories once again.

In terms of assessing my feet after day 1, I have no blisters but a spot to look out for on my little toe.
Some arch pain, but thats lessened as the day has gone on. I have a feeling my right shoulder maybe taking too much weight with backpack as I think there’s an over lean which I hope to correct tomorrow.

The distance is more tomorrow. And I am little daunted. But it will be cooler. And I have a room, so no intense pace required.

Let’s see what’s in store for tomorrow…Read more