Portuguese Camino in May: Day Six

Porrino to Arcade We were lucky today because we arrived in Arcade before the rain. In fact it still hasn’t rained. A pleasant 24 kilometre section with some steep up and down bits but good, flat walking surfaces. A little bit more walking on roads because we again had to navigate large towns. As we walked to the very top we could see glimpses of … Continue reading Portuguese Camino in May: Day Six

Portuguese Camino in May: Day Five

Cossourado to Porrino Today was a tough day, about 35 kilometres in very warm conditions and we had to walk through several large towns and outer suburbs. While the arrows were still good for directions it was not always easy navigating large towns. The rural sections were always easier and more relaxing. The first large town that we walked into was the medieval walled town … Continue reading Portuguese Camino in May: Day Five

10 Reasons why the world has fallen in love with the Spanish

Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From San Sebastián in the north to Seville in the south, from buzzing Barcelona to marvellous Madrid, tourists have fallen in love with Spain and the Spanish. What makes Spanish people so fascinating? Here are some observations from an Australian occasional tourist which should not be taken too seriously. They have buckets of energy … Continue reading 10 Reasons why the world has fallen in love with the Spanish

Colourful Cordoba in Spring

Thirty hours after leaving Adelaide we have arrived in colourful Córdoba in Southern Spain. Lucky us to commence our trip in this small, serene city where the weather is warm and long, balmy evenings soothe the soul.We are only here for two days-a chance to catch our Spanish breath and discover a new city for the first time. Highlights of our 48 hours in Cordoba … Continue reading Colourful Cordoba in Spring

The Mystique of the Camino de Santiago – Why are so many people walking to Santiago?

  I am sitting in a cafe next to the Santiago Cathedral enjoying a mint tea, listening to numerous church bells and watching the ebb and flow of walkers continuing to cross the finishing line with their packs and walking sticks, tour groups following their leaders and individuals here to observe the unique sights. It is impossible to count the number of walkers coming into … Continue reading The Mystique of the Camino de Santiago – Why are so many people walking to Santiago?

Arriving in Santiago de Compostela: the Camino has ended!

The last few days of walking have been fatiguing for me but there has been a huge sensation of our destination being within reach. Today is a joyous occasion because we scurried into the town of Santiago just in time to attend the famous Pilgrim Mass in the Cathedral with the Botafumeiro swinging at 70 kms per hour.   Comments on the last five days Day … Continue reading Arriving in Santiago de Compostela: the Camino has ended!

Camino Days Nine, Ten, Eleven and Twelve: Puebla de Sanabria to Xunqueria de Ambia

  Day Nine We walked about 30kms from Puebla de Sanabria to Lubian. A significant part of the walking track was diverted to the side of the highway due to road construction. The last 6kms or so was a very pretty, grassyrack heading into mountainous country. Lots of trees and a beautiful entrance into the small village of Lubian built into the side of a … Continue reading Camino Days Nine, Ten, Eleven and Twelve: Puebla de Sanabria to Xunqueria de Ambia