Distance travelled today:
20 miles on foot
Day 1: Porto to Vairão
So, first things first, we survived the 'Squid Game' dormitory. In fact, it was very civilized: large comfortable bed, locker and charging point; it was also quiet (enough) and we got a good night's sleep.
Today was our first day walking and it was mostly a trek through the city, following the map and road signs. There's not a lot to say about a walk through a city, so inevitably, the cogs started turning. The result - a little rhyme that kept my mind busy whilst my feet were hurting.
Follow the arrows, uphill and down
The bright yellow arrows that lead out of town
They're painted on street signs, on walls and on posts
And wherever they're pointing - that's where you go
Walking on pavements and old cobbled streets
Through the old city town where Oporto's heart beats
Quaint quinta's replaced by a great city sprawl
Where, instead of bright tiles, there's graffiti on walls
Follow the arrows along roads and tracks
With feet that are aching and heavy backpacks.
The sprawl becomes suburbs, then villages and trees
The sun beating down and a gentle breeze
So follow the arrows, let your feet lead the way
Hour after hour, and day after day
Forget all the troubles that live in your head
Just enjoy the walk, the good food and your bed.
... which brings me to our accommodation for the night. We stayed at Albergue do Peregrinos do Mosteiro de Vairâo, a beautiful monastary that offers food and a bed for pilgrims, and all at a very reasonable price. We stayed in a typical pilgrims dormitory; very different from our Porto experience, but very welcome after our long walk.
Boa noite e buen caminho x
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