Yesterday in Grijo the weather was almost the perfect temperature for walking. Today in Porto it is pouring with rain. Our accommodation in Porto is also very different. The Grijo hostel was not that great, dirty, dank, noisy, shower ceiling evidence of mold, not somewhere I would recommend, all for Eur22 each, which is expensive for what it was. At least there were no bed bugs! Walked into Porto today, and into the rain. Immediately you notice the difference. Crowded streets, food a lot dearer, but our hostel is lovely. Bright and cheery with a good communal area and breakfast is included.
Last night we walked up to a local cafe for dinner. The cafes don't open until 6 or 7pm so Edwina shouted a tub of ice cream which we ate at the supermarket cafe! Then it was over the road to a restaurant for dinner of chicken & salad.
The route between Grijo and Porto is mostly along busy roads with just a few interesting sites. Way side shrines, the "gate" into the city, and a magnificent view from a chapel site. Then it was on to the cathedral to get our credentials stamped.
Past the obligatory statue of some important person and up to our hostel. Already we are seeing many more pilgrims. I don't think Jay will be the youngest person on the pilgrimage for much longer. We are here for 3 nights then we head north on the central route, a new route for both of us. Edwina heads to Santiago by bus tomorrow before heading home. It been a lovely 3 weeks of good company and a few unexpected adventures.
Comments