We arrived in Porto on 1 May having walked from Grijo. When at Sao Joao a Madeira we tried booking ahead for Grijo, but discovered we couldn´t get accommodation anywhere. The route between Sao Joao a Madeira and Grijo goes along a number of busy roads so opted to taxi to the Grijo Monastry and walk to Porto from there. The monastry is very impressive and judging from the length of the monastry wall must have been a very important site. Much of the walk to Porto´s suburbs was through forest, uphill but very tranquil and a good time for reflection on the issues of the day. For me it was worrying about the EOLC Bill! In one village Truus and I were "hijacked" by a little old lady who invited us into her home for a cold lemon drink. Very welcome and refreshing. In her garden she had the most beautiful deep purple Iris. She had walked the Camino four times. We got the impression she keeps an eye out for pilgrims - the Camino provides. We eventually checked into the Bluesock Hostel in central Porto. Had time for a quick walk to get our bearings before sampling the local Sangria.
Photos: Grijo Monastry; Sculpture of the Black Madonna at the monastry; some very tempting local pastries. The deep purple iris; views along the track. Porto at last. Molly Moo and Constantine checking out a local map - where are they? It is a large city beginning with P on the banks of a large river with a name beginning with D.
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