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I’ve done two options: 1) take the subway to Oriente station and take the train to Porto. Totally manageable and a long enough ride to catch a nap before arriving. Or 2) fly from Lisbon to Porto. About 60 mins. Arrive at an airport that’s on a subway line. Faster. No naps.
Anecdotally, I’ve heard repeatedly that the walk from Lisbon isn’t great: long stretches between places to stop and a fair bit of beside the road walking. Contrast that with Porto: start in Matosinhos and Day 1 is oceanside on mostly boardwalks. At Vila do Conde, opt for the route toward...
Planning my fifth Camino (this one would be CF) and I’d like to start further back from SJPdP. Since much of the joy I get from these travels is about connecting with food and the people who make it, I’m thinking 4 days in France would be a good idea. Anyhow have some experiences to share? Thanks!
I don’t disagree that it’s a pretty view by the river. But I’d no luck finding that grocery store, except one that was a few km off the line. Everyone’s camino is different of course.
I can only comment on the route from Porto, but in my experience, the food is excellent. Seafood is the staple there and the gift of Portuguese cuisine is it teaches you even the humble sardine can be made amazing. One more observation: much of the route north of Porto is rural culture, so meals...
Having done multiple Caminos myself, the less I compare each to the one before, the more I’ve enjoyed myself. Might be worth pondering why an experience has to be just like before (e.g., not too busy, found a bed, weather good, lots of nice people, etc.) to feel satisfied. Comparison really is...
In Portugal, the ask is for (and I’ll say this phonetically) meydee-leite. A medium coffee with milk. So two shots. Otherwise they give you a bica (one shot).
Took the bus from Valença back to Porto a few weeks ago because the daily rail strike was too unpredictable. Even if your bus doesn’t go to the airport, the terminal is at the metro stop and it’s about a 25-min trip from there. Note: the Rede bus in Valença only took cash for the ticket. And...
UHT milk is simply subject to ultra high pasteurization giving it a longer shelf life. Maybe slightly less creamy, but I can barely tell the difference. If elevated food safety is your thing, UHT is your friend. Cafe con Leche is essentially either a one-shot or two-shot cup of espresso with...
Each time I go back, I'm asked why and I say: "because I miss my people." There's a particular kind of person whose idea of a good time involves strapping a bag to their back and walking 100s of km. Those are my people.
I don’t think she does. I called direct. Best time to reach her is after 10am (her time) and before 2pm when the next batch of pilgrims arrive. Her number is in a few threads here.
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