In our first few days in Portugal, Cynthia and I saw many sweet public displays of affection, patience, and caring. Then yesterday we saw one to trump them all. As we took a break at an outdoor café, we noticed a group of young "scouts"--akin to our brownies or cubs--milling about. Then a few of them moved toward a few older men sitting on a bench and opened their arms wide. The men opened their arms too, and they hugged each other. Strongly. Then some of the scouts moved towards us café sitters, and we got big hugs too. It turns out one of their badges is given to award this activity... hugging strangers! Loving neighbors. Changing the world. Amen.
We arrived in Porto last night to be with our daughter Emily for a lovely rest day today,
including a visit to the Porto Cathedral:
Emily will also join us for our first day walking the Camino tomorrow, just 6.8 miles to Matosinhos:
More soon from the Way...
Updated: May 28, 2023
Cynthia and I so loved our pilgrimage on the "Camino Frances" last summer that we are going back, this time to walk the "Camino Portuguese" from Porto, Portugal to the same destination of Santiago de Compostela.
We will walk north along the coast of Portugal for about two weeks on the route known as "Senda Littoral." On the map at the top of the blog homepage, the route is the blue line on the left. Once in Spain, we will head inland a bit to follow the "Central" (red) route up to Santiago. We fly to Porto May 28 and start on the Camino May 31. I look forward to sharing our journey with you!
Peace and blessings - Lee