Madrid to Porto - Reconnecting with the Camino!

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Today I reconnected with the Camino. The bus trip from Madrid to Porto took me through landscapes and cities I had been. What a surprise it was to check into the Pilgrim Albergue in Porto to find summer solstice celebrations in full swing.- bbq sardines, Gallego soup, bread, salads,, and wine around the fire! I was drawn back to the Camino community I remembered.

There’s something to be said about bus trips- They cannonball you through landscapes - the hot dry gran fields ..

Past the medieval university city of Salamanca …

And humble faded yellow arrows that might have guided me years ago.
Our Gipsyy ALSA bus was watched over by a caring Labrador over lunch. 
How’s the serenity!

Even in the quietest moments…

 Everyone watched the landscapes unfold.

As we entered Portugal, it became noticeably greener - from this,

To this

I was then powerfully reminded of the Australian bush - and the curious decision of the Spanish government under General Franco and the Portuguese subsequently to plant eucalyptus trees.

Go figure! We passed miles and miles of burnt out plantations with typical eucalypt regrowth in the early stages. 
Not long after we crossed the bridge into Porto.
Then, after an unnerving train trip with illegible signs.
 I eventually arrived at the Albergue do Peregrinos, the facade of  which I reckon has an uncanny resemblance to the cover of Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti album

I checked in and got my first stamp for the Camino Portuguese - with a lucky seven locker key!

Made up my bed

And joined the party! There’s fireworks happening outside my window - And lots of laughing!









Comments

  1. Tess23 June 2025 at 22:21

    Good stuff Dad! What fun to arrive during all those celebrations :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous25 June 2025 at 21:18

      Yes it was. Porto is a brilliant city. - locals know how to celebrate- totally fun

      Delete

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