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Is anything open?

  • Thread starter Former member 100027
  • Start date
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Former member 100027

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I'll be walking from Valenca soon and I was wondering whether there is likely to be much open by way of cafes, bars, places to eat? Are there many pilgrims walking the Portuguese Central at the moment, am I likely to see anyone? There are albergues open, as I've pre-booked them in advance, but just wondering whether I need to be making daily efforts to stock up with food supplies in towns in case there's nothing open? I have no idea how much is open or shut in Galicia at the moment. I'd be grateful to hear from anyone who has recently walked, or is currently walking the Portugues on the Galician side.
 
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Babaa, I don't think you have to worry about places to eat at all. I walked the Coastal route in March of 2019 and came across so many cafes, restaurants, bars, etc. The best thing you can do is ask - once you get there, about the situation along the segment you'll be walking that day and plan accordingly. Honestly, my experience tells me you will be able to find sustenance along the way. The Camino provides

Bom Caminho!
 

I should qualify my question as its in the context of Covid 19 and whether businesses are reopening or waiting until either they are permitted to or it is economical to do so. I expect it was hustling and bustling back in 2019, but of course we are in different times and countries vary in their different stages of recovery. Here in the UK there are no restrictions anymore and everything is open, but I am not sure what the situation is in Spain, and more specifically Galicia, hence my question. I have read accounts of cafes etc being closed on the Camino and some pilgrims experiencing challenges in finding place to eat - particularly last summer, so I was hoping to elicit from those who have walked recently or are currently walking what the current situation is. I hope this explains the context of my original question.
 
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You are absolutely right! My apologies. I wish you a safe and fulfilling Camino!
 
I found that last summer, on the CF, with covid restrictions, if I was in an albergue in a place where there were no open stores/restaurants, that the albergue would provide a meal--for a charge. Usually about 10 E.
 
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There are two entire countries going on all around the Camino Portuguese, operating daily with or without pilgrims. They've been doing it for years. No worries.

I qualified my original question above.
But my query was in the context of Covid 19 restrictions and post-restrictions reopening. I know that life for local populations exists beyond the Camino but I am grateful for the reminder.

PS I enjoyed your book.
 

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