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If you are a book lover and have the time, I suggest you get over into the upper city in Porto so you can visit Livrariia Lello. It is a bookstore with a magnificent stairway and books in many languages. I agree about Casa Fernanda by the way!
Local buses and/or trains are often near enough to the Camino trail that you could use them instead of taxis. I enjoyed the contact with local people when I used these several times.
For me, no sunglasses; a bucket hat. Water resistant jacket to wear rain or shine. Poncho for RAIN (wind got under it and nearly lifted me off my feet) got wet anyway. Shoes - KEEN sandals to walk, something else - light - for evenings. Flip-flops for showers. There are stores along the...
Oh yes to less comparisons/judgements. Here, and in daily life. I've followed Camino Frances and Caminho Portuguese and lots of other travel by car, train, plane, and sailboat. Feel my life has been made so rich through all the things I've seen, experienced, people I've met... "Viva la...
I notified my bank before leaving the US, then used ATMs at banks during their open hours so I could walk in and get help if I had a problem. Worked for me.
I walked alone. On the Frances at 82; Portuguese at 85. No issues, though one time a man wanted to talk with me and I just walked on. Stayed in Municipal albergues and private ones. Frigid Muni was least pleasant experience. Pleasant conversations at meals occasionally. Decided my age gave...
I carried my passport and a credit card and/or cash in the special bag I had for the passport. Wore it under top layer of clothes, across my body. Less critical things in a fanny pack or very light back pack. Heavier pack sent each day.
Traveled alone mostly, occasionally someone else happened to appear at the same hostel and become a dinner companion. Felt "uneasy" a time or two, no genuine threat. Actually needed the time to simply "be", ruminate, enjoy the scenery, etc.
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