It seems like every person travelling at the moment is in Porto ! The crowds were overwhelming everywhere we went. Even the local guides seemed taken by surprise. And what were the odds of bumping into an old friend from Australia in the middle of the busiest mall in the city?!

But I digress. At 730am on Wednesday 31 May when we left to start our Camino, the streets were deserted and a lovely calm and quiet enveloped the city.

We were greeted by locals calling out Bom Caminho, wishing us well on our way.

The walk out of Porto along the River Douro was pleasant enough. Built up with no break between seaside towns until about the 22 km mark. My feet started hurting at about 10km, which was not a good sign. By 15km most other parts of my body were hurting. Nothing a sneaky cerveza couldn’t help with though… The first part of the Camino is the physical, when your body gets used to carrying a pack and walking. Hope this bit is over soon.

We found a market in Matosinhos, beautiful fresh produce and a selection of animals for dinner…

So we struck up a conversation with this lady and I gave her a koala key ring and it made her day!

The Portuguese Coast is stunning

There have been a few pilgrims along the way. Numbers didn’t seem high until we reached our destination-a tiny seaside village called Vila Cha. We eventually found the albergue and got the last 4 bunk beds! That was close. Although later around 10 more pilgrims arrived. Some are in tents outside, the rest on mattresses on the floor. I guess the Camino still provides. Tonight we ate in a local restaurant-seafood was sensational.

Gregor found time to hang out with the locals…

So, a day in and about 10 to get to Santiago. I had no real time for reflection, or sorting out my head, or figuring out my next BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)! Here’s what I did think about though, in no particular order:

• I reckon my pack is still too heavy by about 2 kg
• Why does the last 5 km of the day feel like 15?
• People who snore should get a room to themselves- put them all in together in a snoring room!
• Where are all the Aussies?
• If you have the bottom bunk, don’t hang your stuff on the rungs of the ladder to the top bunk, then get indignant when you’re asked to move it.
• How lucky am I to be here and walking with good friends…