So, yesterday we took the wrong train to Coimbra. After playing musical chairs the conductor told us there is no seats on the train, it is full. We are on the wrong train. We will get to Coimbra but will have to go and sit in the bar. That meant we could enjoy a beer.
My children taught me through their own travel experience to plan less and enjoy more. You may end up where you did not intend to go, but you will experience more.
The walk today was more difficult than we expected. A lot of walking was done on tarred roads. The impact on our hips were strenuous and the Comrades ultra we ran three weeks ago was still felt.
Take note pilgrims planning to walk the Portuguese route; some of the Bombeiros Voluntarios do not take in pilgrims any more, as was the case in Mealhada. After a big lunch - plate of the day - we had to walk a further 2 km's to get to the Albergue Hilario. We must have walked more than 25 km's on our first day and we could feel our bodies protesting.
As Robbie Burns reflects (quoted by Brierly) "...a now-and-then tribute to Bacchus is like the cold bath - bracing and invigorating." So after finding a bed, a shower and washing of our clothing, we are now having a "cold bath".
Reflecting on the day, we are thankful to make this pilgrimage. It is after all a journey into the self. The more you get to know yourself, the more you will know God. He is ever present; in the farmer pruning the vine, the massive age-old olive trees with new branches and in the ice cold bear!
Tomorrow a new joyrney begins. Buen Camino!
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