DAY VI ON THE PORTUGUES COASTAL CAMINO – A Rest Day in a fine city.

19 May
After breakfast and in the drizzle, our thinking was waterproofs, shortish walk to museums, and the like.
Using the city map we went to the interpretative Centre for the Portuguese Camino .
This is located in a 16 th century , former hospital.
Our route on screen.
Walk This Way
Courtyard of the hospital
A video presentation about the origins and development of Viana do Castelo.
A fountain on the outside wall of the centre
Still some mizzle as the say in the commentary box.
The Cathedral
An understated cathedral.
Bowls of flowers outside the cathedral – everywhere in Viana we enjoyed floral displays ,like Esposende yesterday.
A typical Rua

The Statue of Viana is an 18th-century monument, commissioned in 1774 by José António Freire de Andrade, Governor of Arms of the province of Minho, 3rd Count of Bobadela.
The Rococo-style statue depicts a female figure in flowing robes, holding a caravel, which dominates the entire ensemble, symbolizing Viana do Castelo and its maritime heritage.
The four busts that crown the corners of the pedestal symbolize the European, Asian, African, and American continents, alluding to the “four corners of the world” and the seafaring and mercantile tradition of the people of Viana.
The lengthy Jardim de Marginal
Always some tiles featured
The Bandstand
A grand gateway
Another imposing entrance.
Keep up next door!

Viana do Castelo railway station

Next to a shopping mall that we passed en route to the funicular.
To get us up the mountain side
Wonderful views.
St Luzia
Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Information Board
There has been a funicular here since 1923 – that’s an original.
Crossing over the railway station on the way back .
Local elections- same kind of promises.
Called in for a quick refresher
The wall decoration opposite our Lift entrance on the second floor, based on the St Luzia rose windows.
The aquarium in our restaurant
A classic seafood meal together.
Night or day, rain or shine , Viana do Castelo always casts its spell.

DAY V ON THE PORTUGUESE CAMINO. From Esposende to Viana do Castelo.

19 May
A short walk from the guest house brought us to the main square.
SCULPTURES
AND FLOWERS
Welcome to breakfast
A friendly venue and a table in the sunshine.
San Roque featured in the Parish church and as we walked further on , being slightly inland from the Atlantic evoked a more Camino like atmosphere.
What a gateway.
Rob viewing the information board
Santo Amaro was a well loved figure here.
Santiago is even more loved on the Camino.
Moving through the Antas district we were on woodland paths and by now it was warm enough to walk in shirt sleeves or T- shirt – no ocean breeze but pleasant sunshine.
Following the arrows we went left..
We could hear the sound of the river before we saw it below us .
Our crossing point – in winter times apparently the water can cover this bridge, but today there was no problem.
Going right we began a gentle ascent.
The ocean in view from Castelo do Neivo.
Left again.
Black and white goats
We found a Rua that led us to coffee
Imposing, modern sculpture by a local apparently
Backcloth in the coffee shop
Pasta del Nata – it had a real depth too,it unlike the pale imitations we get at home.
Another sighting of the Atlantic
A gatherings of lilies in a cool,shady spot under a high wall.
St James in his niche with colourful flowers.
A close up.
The oldest temple dedicated to Saint James outside of Spanish territory. It was consecrated by Bishop Naustus in the year 862, shortly after the discovery of the Apostle’s tomb.
I think I prefer my poles to his wobbly looking stick!
We are starting from the bottom..
And upwards it was…
Mike and Rob making their way upwards,however the next few hundred metres became tricky, as the path was strewn with rocks and boulders, so we took our time and gingerly picked our way through.
Another impressive church towards the end of the climb
Sao Romao de Neiva – a place of particular devotion.
Many penitents make their way up these steps on their knees- none of the passing Pelegrinos took up the challenge.
A small vineyard in a clearing in the woods, as we walked on through small, sleepy hamlets featuring some hand some villas.
And some strikingly coloured shrubs.
The lanes sometimes featured crucifixes embedded in the walls.
This was a surprise – a storks’ nest.
Viana do Castelo and its environs
The bridge over the Minho designed by Eiffel.
Hotel Laranjeiro for two nights to enable a “ rest day” on Tuesday.

A colourful evening meat at Sancho Panza with flaming Portuguese/Brazilian Chorizo for starters – don’t try this at home!

DAY IV ON THE CAMINO PORTUGUESE. Vila do Conde to Esposende.

18 May

Today’s Etape was long in prospect. Most of the group set off before 08.00 with the intention of walking the whole way, 16 miles or so,taking in breakfast en route. Rob and I felt that we would need to shorten the stretch by five miles. We found breakfast quite quickly and pleased to find somewhere open that early on a Sunday.

A modern cafe with an emphasis on whole food and coffee.
Au revoir to the harbour setting.
The parish church for whom the bells were tolling.
We passed these three wise men as we walked through the suburbs.
On the outskirts of Vila do Conde.
Someone’s front garden. Vila do Conde seemed to merge into Povoa de Varzim.
We walked further into P de V eventually reaching the Atlantic.
These symbols were on a large square by the Tourist Office , where, having obtained a stamp for our pilgrim passports, Rob enquired of the very helpful lady there as to what they meant. She gave us a leaflet which explained the history of SIGLAS POVEIRAS…see below.

This helped our understanding and appreciation of the striking tile tableau depicting Povoa’s maritime history with an emphasis on the long established fishing industry.

After a lengthy study of these tiles we walked on.
Along the esplanade.
The view from our coffee stop
Lots of beaches and many protected dunes.
Floribundas
We came to St Andre where I stopped for refreshments thirteen years ago – expanded slightly now.
Mementoes attached by passing pilgrims.
Some hills in the distance.
Several windmills along this part of the coastline. It was not long afterwards and adjacent to an unlikely setting for a golf course that we decided eleven miles was enough and Rob got an Uber, in no time at all, to take us to our accommodation in Esposende.
Across from the Cavado River . We enjoyed our stay .

DAY III – Portuguese Camino, Saturday 16th May,Matasinhos – Vila do Conde,23KM in a sunny breeze.

16 May

Started off through quiet streets , a contrast to Porto.

Crossing the swing bridge.
On we go
Lighthouse ahead
Wonderfully inviting beaches.
Occasionally you came across a traffic island
On the edge of Vila do Conde
Most of the chapels are dedicated to Mary St of Fishermen
A few more boardwalks
And amzing beaches
A contemporary hotel with a fascinating past.
Located in the heart of Vila do Conde, at the intersection of the serene waters of the Ave River and the grandeur of the ocean, stands the hotel housed in the historic Santa Clara Monastery.
Its uniqueness lies not only in its remarkable architecture, but also in its ability to combine historical legacy with contemporary comfort and sophistication. This magnificent building, with its neoclassical features and exquisite symmetry, is a testament to the passage of time and radiates an imposing presence. Its origins date back to 1318, the result of a dream of its founders; however, the Monastery as we know it today is the result of several renovation works that took place in the 18th century.
View from the digs
We walk on through the town tomorrow.

Day II ON THE PORTUGUESE COASTAL CAMINO – Porto to Matosinhos.

15 May

Extravagantly good breakfast at the Log Hotel,Porto. A mornings respite in Porto afoot, before meeting at the cathedral 14..00 to walk to Matasinhos….the Camino proper begins. Rob,Mike and I took the bus into town for €2.50 and we soon found our way into the historic centre.

The Sao Bento railway station – such a marvellous foyer.
Campanha Station in Porto is one of Portugal’s most important railway landmarks, combining history and functionality in a structure that serves as a vital link for transportation in the northern region of the country. Inaugurated in 1875, the station retains a classic charm with traditional architectural elements, making it an essential point for those arriving in the city.
Although the title of the main train station of Porto belongs to Campanha, Sao Bento Railway station has something else to pride itself on – the spectacular interiors and fascinating history. The beautiful building that houses the station was once home to the 16th-century monastery, the Convent of Sao Bento da Ave Maria.

Unfortunately, the original building was demolished in 1896, but it’s hard to regret it, as the beautiful neoclassical complex that was built instead is truly a work of art.

Even if you are not planning to take a train in Porto, Sao Bento rail station is worth stopping by to admire its amazing decorations. The main hall is a splendid sight as it’s adorned with over 2000 azulejo tiles, depicting the history of Portugal.

As forecast we experienced a spot of drizzle, as after a welcome coffee, we made our way past the Cathedral,across the bridge; our intention was to enjoy the views along the Douro and to catch the cable car down to the PORT side of the city.

Some TLC needed .

Dom Luis BridgeThe most famous bridge in Porto, the Dom Luis Bridge, was designed by Théophile Seyrig, a co-founder of Eiffel and Company alongside Gustave Eiffel. Its sweeping iron arch and panoramic upper walkway provide some of the most breathtaking views in the city.
All aboard the Telefonica .
The Gaia Cable Car, or Teleférico de Gaia, is a monocable gondola lift located in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro river from the Portuguese city of Porto. The upper station is located next to Jardim do Morro station of the Porto Metro, the upper level of the Dom Luís I Bridge, and the Serra do Pilar Monastery. The lower station is on the riverside promenade of Cais de Gaia, with several nearby Port wine cellars, along with restaurants, cafes and a departure point for Douro river cruises.

The line was built by Doppelmayr at a cost of 12 million, and is operated by the company Telef – Transportes por Cabo e Concessões, SA. Construction commenced in March 2009, and the line entered service in April 2011. As of November 2024, the line runs every day except Christmas Day, with services starting at 10:00 and ending between 18:00 and 20:00.
Great views despite the drizzle.
We had enjoyed an Al fresco lunch before swinging our way back upto the bridge.
We met up as arranged with the rest of our group at the Cathedral and made our way down to the quayside from whence our Camino proper began.
We had about seven miles to walk alongside the Douro to Matosinhos in bright sunshine but a strong headwind.
An Angel
It is a lovely walk and most of the group enjoyed a welcome ice cream en route.
Magnificent Anemona…on the island where we turned off for our accommodation for the night.

Matasinhos has a deserved reputation for its fish and seafood.

This was our first choice.
Table for eight please.
The group were divided into the Seabass and Sardines camps with accompanying salads and fresh vegetables. Both sides agreed on the quality and reasonable price of our dinners. Great meal.
A look back at an eye catching tree in blossom on the banks of the Douro. We had an enjoyable first day on the Camino.

DAY ONE – The Beginning of the Portugues Camino – Calm start.

15 May

Thursday,14 th May,2026

After a taxi ride,organised by Mike and shared also with Sharon and Rob, we arrived at Birmingham International in good time. Surprisingly quiet in the “ Drop Off “ zone and even more deserted at the Jet2 Check- in point. The time from dropping of the hold luggage to exiting Security was less than 20 painless minutes! Fastest yet.

It occurred to me that the reason everywhere was so relatively quiet was possibly because the Wetherspoons was rammed with passengers, with a queue to boot.

So with two hours to kill, we found a quieter coffee spot, having met up with Rita and Dave in Departures. We have all exchanged the expression “ small world” after a conversation, which came to pass when Dave realised that he and I had both attended St Philip’s Grammar School. Dave being younger than me ( like most people) started a few years after me, but happened to remark that he had a cousin who had attended at the same time as me. He said his cousin had gone on to become the Headteacher of Holy Cross School, Walmley – this immediately rang a bell.
“ Your cousin wasn’t Paul King was it?”
“ Yes” he replied in astonishment.
“ I was his “ best man” “, I replied.
I went on to describe Paul and our friendship of close on 70 years ….
“ Well, I”ll be….”
Small World” indeed.

Already the Camino was springing pleasant surprises….

Not quite so pleasant was the 45 minute delay to take-off, however some time was made up and we arrived in good time.

It took twenty minutes to clear security at Porto airport, thankfully there was no biometric test! Taxis to the hotels- we were glad we did not have to use public transport.
The hotel,is opposite Porto FC’s stadium. We met up in the hotel lobby.
I set off to find somewhere “ local” for dinner. Normally this would not have been a problem,but May 14 th is Ascension Day – many paces were closed.
After a frustrating few minutes I came across this place and made a reservation for the eight of us.
Everyone in good form
It had a good,vibe – no tourists except us! I was really pleased that the menu featured several versions of a dish unique to Porto.
The Francescinha which most of us ordered and just about managed to finish.
francesinha (meaning “little Frenchie”) is an iconic Portuguese sandwich originating from Porto, developed in the 1950s as a local take on the French croque monsieur. It is a massive, high-calorie, toasted sandwich made with thick bread, filled with various meats—typically steak, ham, sausage, and linguiça—covered in melted cheese, and smothered in a rich, spicy tomato-and-beer sauce. 
SMILE FOR ANITA’S SELFIE

Just a Song Before I Go …One of CSN’s Finest Songs..IMHO😅 Plus the Camino

9 May

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=AYRjvH1NGVo&si=wI2E5j64Nf_mA1Eh

“Just a song before I go
To whom it may concern
Traveling twice the speed of sound
It’s easy to get burned

When the shows were over
We had to get back home
And when we opened up the door
I had to be alone

She helped me with my suitcase
She stands before my eyes
Driving me to the airport
And to the friendly skies

Going through security
I held her for so long
She finally looked at me in love
And she was gone

Just a song before I go
A lesson to be learned
Traveling twice the speed of sound
It’s easy to get burned”.

Last Blog this side of Porto I promise.

As you may know,Barbara had a slip and fall last weekend resulting in a new hip on Sunday last, at Heartlands Hospital. We were all extremely grateful for the care she received there. Meantime, I was really concerned about the dilemma that the Camino suddenly presented. “ Should I Stay or Should I Go?” To quote another song title.

It was only after Barbara’s transfer to Solihull Hospital, Thursday 7th May, that things became a little clearer. Solihull is more of a post operative place for patients with surgery like hip replacements.. – REHABILITATION.

Today, Friday 9th May, Hannah and I visited Barbara – Solihull Hospital is more village- like than Heartlands and from our very first steps inside , we felt welcome. ( this is not to decry Heartlands which serves more purposes on a grander scale ). It was just the ambience,I guess.

A hip replacement,from a sudden fall, apparently presents different challenges than those that are long awaited ( sometimes overdue). The recovery time …ie mobility takes longer and can often be more painful at times, which makes regaining mobility a lengthier process. Whilst there, we were fortunate enough to witness nursing carried out patiently and diligently. The bonus for Barbara, Hannah and myself was the chance to talk with the two physio-rehabilitation experts looking after Barbara and gaining some valuable advice on how we might adapt our house to better suit Barbara’s homecoming and continued rehabilitation.

It was only after their appraisal of Barbara’s predisposition and feistiness that we we felt reassured that she was in expert,sympathetic and professional hands …literally. Barbara and Hannah were adamant that I must go on the Camino…

Back home, we began changing rooms etc to facilitate a safer and comfortable setting for Barbara, funnily enough Han and I felt quite energised in what became a “ project” almost….seriously it was mainly about shifting things around ….creatively of course. We are not quite there yet but we know what we want it to be.

It is not possible to predict when Barbara might be home but given present progress, hopefully in a few days’ time.

Saturday 9 th May – this time we drove to Solihull and bought a few days ‘ pass for the car park which was very quiet. Being a Saturday not many day patients and the corridors etc were so quiet we might have been in a convent.

In brief, apart from Hannah and myself , we were pleased to welcome Daniel up again from Berkhamstead and later Vickee and granddaughter Martha at the bedside. Two physios came in ( almost rapturous applause ) and encouraged Barbara on to her feet and lots of steps!

Again much credit to the professionals and Barbara’s grit and determination.

And ,so it came to pass that we eventually went back home where Dan and Hannah moved a single bed downstairs to Barbara’s temporary bedroom. Very impressed. We all felt we had seen great progress in terms of mobility and self belief today.

——————————————————————————————

BACK TO THE CAMINO

Michael Rosen – 80 today – great man.

We shall all walk at our own pace, I would only offer this piece of advice which is to take a bag- break at least every hour, enjoy refreshments despite necessity and smell,the flowers,

It would be unreasonable to assume we should all arrive at our digs at the same time , but please don’t check in until I get there, as confusion can arise about whose rooms are whose…Receptionists understandably won’t know our circumstances.

SIMPLES – I say that every year.
Take your pick…

Look forward to the meet up at Birmingham International Airport on Thursday 14 th.

“I’m dreaming of roads.”

– Antonio Machado –

I’m dreaming of roads

of the afternoon. The Hills

gold, the pine green,

the dusty hens!…

Where will the road lead?

I’m singing, traveler

along the path…

-the afternoon is falling-.

“In the heart I had

the thorn of a passion;

I managed to pull it off one day:

I don’t feel the heart anymore.”

And the whole field for a moment

It stays mute and gloomy,

meditating. The wind blows

on the banks of the river

Evening gets darker;

and the path that slips

and weakly bleach

it blurs and disappears.

My singing is whining again:

“A sharp golden thorn,

who could feel you

nailed to the heart”.

First of May – a look back at past Portuguese Caminos – and a hearty updated folk song to begin…

1 May
I have loved folk music since I was a teenager as well as contemporary music – I spent many convivial, singalong nights at folk clubs in Birmingham and Solihull back in the 60s/70s. Below is a link to a relatively contemporary version of HAL-EN-TOW; a bucolic classic.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ruvmo5bCGg&si=_d-n1YvCMyDJgmSX

Take the scorn and wear the horns 
It was the crest when you were born 
Your father’s father wore it 
And your father wore it too 

Robin Hood and Little John 
Have both gone to the fair-o 
We shall to the merry green wood 
To hunt the buck and hare-o 

Hal-an-Tow, jolly rumbelow 
We were up long before the day-o 
To welcome in the summertime 
To welcome in the May-o 
For summer is coming in 
And winter’s gone away 

What happened to the Spaniards 
That made so great a boast-o? 
They shall eat the feathered goose 
And we shall eat the roast-o 

God bless Aunt Mary Moses 
With all her power and might-o 
Send us peace in England 
Send us peace by day and night-o

Well, if old folk songs sniff of nostalgia, then recalling Caminos walked this century could be politely termed “ recent history.” As with any look back,there comes context because despite familarity there are always differences.For example,I have walked the Camino Ingles from Ferrol to S de C twice with two totally different groups and although both were great saunters, they were still unique in the experiences, conversations and meetings that took place.

An early passport

Hence, I invite you to look back on Caminos Portuguese from the past that I blogged about – I would say from the outset that WordPress is much improved if not the content – I shall try to evoke both the time and the context. The first recollection is a Blog I wrote eight years after it took place – in 2012 I only had a notebook – so I decided in 2020 to write up the “ lost Caminos “. This is a long blog as I tried to tackle the entire Camino in one post!

The Portuguese Internal Camino from Porto 2012

From John the Baptist lookalikes to meetings with Portuguese pelegrinas, memories of my roommate Mac, to a memorable t- shirt and a NEW YORK yellow poncho, this was also where I took the phrase “ ensuitepilgrim “ the title of the blog pages since.

Lovely guy who would not accept any payment for my drinks,etc

Caminho Portuguese – Coastal Route)

This is really a summary of preparations back in the days when I carried all my stuff….for the last time as it turned out!

Oporto to Santiago de Compostella – September 2013….

This was my only “ solo” Camino and it is memorable for the kindnesses I received en route and also the solitude which I found strange at first and then I slipped easily into that mode. I confess to using my I-pod along the way, mainly listening to a Camino soundtrack I had compiled.

. “High On The Skyline”. THE NEW MENDICANTS ( this is not a monastic order! )
” Soul Shoes”. GRAHAM PARKER
“You Better Move On”. ARTHUR ALEXANDER
“One More Cup of Coffee”. CALEXICO & ROGER McGOUGH
“True Love & High Adventure” GRAND DRIVE
“There Goes the Sun”. PERNICE BROTHERS
“The Lower Road. THEA GILMORE featuring JOAN BAEZ
“It Will Be a Good Day” YES
“Ends of the Earth” LORD HURON
“Everyman Needs a Companion” Fr JOHN MISTY
“Sangre de Cristo”. SCUD MOUNTAIN BOYS
“Wild Places”. COLIN BLUNSTONE
“Travelling Alone”. TIFT MERRITT
“Walk Like a Giant”. NEIL YOUNG
“Mr Blue Sky”. TONY DISCONTI ( Jeff Lynne Tribute)
“Jesus is a Hobo”. CHARLIE PARR
“Down Among the Cove “. DUANE ALLMAN
“June Hymn” THE DECEMBRISTS
“Hot Dusty Roads”. BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD
“Beautiful View”. RON SEXSMITH
“Ramblin’ On My Mind”. ROBERT JOHNSON
“The Sea “. SANDY DENNY
“Crossroads”. RYAN COODER
“Pinches of Salt” ROY HARPER
“Beyond the Shore”. WILLARD GRANT CONSPIRACY
“Into the Great Wide Open”. TOM PETTY
“Waterfalls”. PAUL McCARTNEY
“Ease Down the Road”. BONNIE PRINCE BILLY
“Miles from Nowhere”. CAT STEVENS
“On a Day Like This”. ELBOW
“Restless Feet”. DANNY &THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD
“Wide River to Cross”. LEVON HELM
“As I Roved Out”. JANE SIBERRY
“Going Home”. LEONARD COHEN

I still have it!

“Life’s a road full of ups and downs, but it’s the journey that makes the difference.” Every step we take, every decision we make, every challenge we face, all shapes us and makes us who we are. Life is an adventure and it takes courage to embark on it and keep going even when it gets tough. Life is precious and deserves to be lived with passion and determination. “

by Hape Kerkeling in “I’ll be gone”

SECOND CAMINO PORTUGUESE UPDATE ATM advice and Spanish Vocab.pictures

25 Apr

To avoid ATM fees,use bank-operated machines branded with the Multibanco logo (a blue and green logo), which covers most local banks, including Santander, Millennium BCP, Caixa Geral de Depósitos, and Novobanco. Avoid Euronet ATMs and other privately operated machines (often located in tourist areas) to avoid excessive fees.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0SHnyLUDKMzMzRsn8sTKdi6Y5oYa1cNTxddrdhzRWM6xhQ4nBceQ6WhzfCicR1uCrl&id=100033225196818 The 50th Anniversary of Portugals’Carnation Revolution


CAMINO LINGO: Same advice applies both Portugal & Spain – The Reality on the Camino
After a few days, you discover a beautiful truth:
The Camino has its own language.
It’s a magical mix of Portuguese/Spanish & English, hand gestures, smiles, and pure goodwill.
Most people you meet — in albergues, cafés, bars, shops — are used to pilgrims from everywhere. They’ve heard every accent, every attempt at their language and every creative pronunciation of bocadillo.EG in Spain….
Conversations usually go like this:
“Una cama?”, “Peregrino menu?”,
“Café con leche?”
And somehow… it works.
Plus, many pilgrims speak English. Sometimes you end up at a table with a mini United Nations: Germans, Koreans, Italians, Canadians — everyone speaking their own version of English, Portuguese,Spanish, or enthusiastic mime.
And everyone understands each other perfectly.
The Real Language of the Camino
You’ll learn a few words instantly:
Hola — hello, Gracias — thank you
Bom Camino/ Buen Camino — the sacred greeting that solves everything
Everything else is surprisingly intuitive.
If you don’t understand something, someone nearby or our group will help.
If no one understands anything, you’ll all laugh and figure it out anyway.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=cvKmh_jWC5c&si=j3tmhCMhsE1VD9xk BEEGEES AT THEIR BEST – “ WORDS”

WORDS AND PICTURES- SPANISH VOCABULARYRANDOM!

Let’s hope for plenty of SOL and no TORMENTAS!
Mine’s an Abatanado …Obrigado.

https://veganderlust.com/what-not-to-do-in-portugal1

This link is amusing in parts with gems like – Don’t Pack Uncomfortable Shoes

What’s your preferred “ learning style”? Try words and pictures for some basic Portuguese & Spanish vocabulary on the Camino.

20 Apr

Well, we have come to the end of the road for destination previews on our Camino and with a month or so to go preparations will be uppermost in our minds.

That’s not quite what I had in mind, although “ feet first” if you have to rank preparations in order. Chatting to Sharon recently, there was a dilemma – trail shoes or boots? Our Camino is in two halves . The coastal section – flat with plenty of welcome boardwalks across the dunes. The Spanish section,through Galicia will be varied with some reasonable inclines and bearing in mind the vagaries of the weather, rain is always a possibility. I shall be using trail shoes mainly with a pair of lightweight boots to hand on occasion.
On the subject of rain..Poncho or rain jacket?

Poncho – Weight and packability – No zips or pockets means they’re ultra lightweight and packable. Wet weather protection and coverage – Pretty watertight and lots of cover. Very breathable, air flow keeps you cooler. Fit & Style – Loose and flappy, not the most stylish and a little impractical in the wind. Versatility and storage – Can double as a picnic blanket or tarp, usually no storage. Durability – No zips to break but overall less durable, plus flapping and snagging may degrade it faster.

Unisex I hope!

Rain jacket– Weight and packability – Lightweight and packable, but zips and pockets make them bulkier than ponchos. Wet weather protection and coverage – Not as much coverage plus zips can let moisture in, but drawcords and fastenings tamp down the hood, hem and sleeves nicely. Warmth and breathability – Less breathable, snugger fit blocks wind better and keeps you warmer. Fit and style – Can be stylish enough for urban adventures, no annoying flapping. Versatility and storage – Only one function, lots of pockets. Durability – Durable with good treatment, less opportunity to snag on branches.

I shall have enough space to pack both.

FOOD ON THE GO

Some suggested foods to carry on the camino for lunches and snacks:

  • Trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit
  • Fresh fruit (apples carry well, bananas are good for muscle cramps with their potassium), grapes.
  • Fresh vegetables (cucumbers and tomatoes travel well)
  • Bread: fresh baguettes are delicious and inexpensive.
  • Ham: so many delicious varieties
  • Tins of sardines – worth packing a fork!
  • Bags of crisps
  • Cheese: also many varieties are available. Ask for a small quantity from a deli (50-100 grams) to avoid waste.
  • Hydration en route – plenty of cafes etc normally, but I always dilute 2 x OCR tablets each morning in my own water bottles .
There are other flavours – Very light too.

Camino Lingo – in Portugal,even a few years back, I never needed much Portuguese vocab. Just a few, basic terms suffice.


Greetings & Politeness
Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite: Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening.
Por favor: Please.
Obrigado (m) / Obrigada (f): Thank you.
De nada: You’re welcome.
Com licença: Excuse me (to get past/attention).
Desculpe: Sorry/Excuse me (to apologize). 
Navigation & Finding Things 
Onde fica a casa de banho? Where is the bathroom?.
Onde fica a estação? Where is the station?.
Pode ajudar-me? Can you help me?.
Direita / Esquerda / Direto: Right / Left / Straight. 
Essentials & Emergencies
Sim / Não: Yes / No.
Fala Inglês? Do you speak English?.
Não falo português: I don’t speak Portuguese.
Ajuda: Help.
Emergência: Emergency. 
Dining & Shopping
Queria… / Eu queria…: I would like….
A conta, por favor: The bill, please.
Um café: A coffee.
Quanto custa? How much does it cost?. 
Key Differences
Goodbye: Tchau (casual) or Adeus (formal).
Water: Água.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner: Pequeno-almoço / Almoço / Jantar.

In the next Blog,I shall be focusing on Spanish vocabulary- picture style – Here are a few,non pictorial phrases for starters..

USEFUL SPANISH PHRASES 

Demasiado – it’s too much eg at mealtimes or the cost of something.

Puedo reservoir…..? Can I book….

Tengo ganas de …..I’ m looking forward to…

Cuesta Mucha …..It’s hard work

Es el major….. It’s one of the best

Hay un / una / unos / …..por aqui ? Is or are there……near here?

Puedo tener …….Can I have ?

Quercia  …..I want…dos billetes para Melide , da Ida today 

Tengo …I have ….Tengo que ? Do I have to ?

Come se puedo if a …how can one get to ?

Tambien….also

A question hora …at what time

Sale Es proximal autobus …when is the next bus

Sale..leaves.         Llega …arrives 

Quisiera una habitacione para estanoche – I want a room for the night

Podemos..can we.   …..Puedo…can I?

Quisiera reserva una habitacione para dos pelegrinos. Can I book a room for two pilgrims?

Pagan con tarjeta? Pay by card?

Dejar la Mochila aqui? …leave the rucksack here?

Tengo una habitacione reservarda a nombre de …para esta noche. I have rooms booked for a number of..for tonight

Una habitacione double con dos camas – a double room with two single beds

Tienen habitacione libres ? Any rooms free?

Comoros s’escribe? How do you spell it?

Cerca  Del…near to …lejos..far

Puedo repetir? Can you repeat that?

Cuanta  costa?….How much para un taxi el estacion d’autobus, Santiago?

Barsto..cheap….Caro….dear 

Lo siento..I’m sorry

Aqui tiene…here you are …..agora ….now

Tiene sellos   –  have you stamps?

Me da…can you give me?…Tome…take….siga…follow

Perdone,donde  esta el Camino?….Por donde se va a ?…How do you get to?

Estomos perditos…we are lost

Donde Puedo tomar un taxi?…where can I get a taxi?

Hacia el…towards…pasado el,…past the….antes de…before the..busque el…watch for..

Esta aqui…it’s here…esta alli…it’s there….

Estoy..I am…como Es?…what’s it like?  Siga..Carry on..

Vale..OK…hasta Luego…see you later….unos…some

Si queremos unas Tapas para compartir…we’d like to share some Tapas

Que Rico….this is delicious….esta buenissimo…it’s very good

Que esta pasando? What’s going in?

Quiero informacion sober …I’d like info. About ..

Hay otro…is there another?

Yo hablo…I speak…. Tambien necessitamos..we also need…

Si tengo..no tengo…yes I have, no I have…si me gusta…yes I like….

Cuanto curl?….how long? 

La comida….lunch…la cena….dinner…..voy a tomar – I’m going to have..

Estoy sediento…I’m thirsty….tengo hambre..I’m hungry…

Claro…of course …entonces….then….nosotros…we…Eres….Are you?

Nosotros Somos de Inglaterra 

Hay cinque nietos…I have five grandchildren 

Soy jubilado,, fin director de una escuela primaria  – I am a retired ht..

Me llamo John – my name is…

quel tiempo hace!..what’s the weather like?

Lo siento  no se…sorry I don’ know

Un poco Casado…a little tired

Hay una barre aqui?…Mira..look…

Perdone, donde  es el hotel….? Excuse me,where is the hotel?

A que distancia esta…How far is…? En pie…on foot…

Buen provecho…Good appetite ..comer …to eat

No entiendo…I don’t understand…trabajo..I work