When we were on the way to Santiago, we had to transfer trains. While we had a tea at the depot, I spotted a man ordering a clear liquid, which he poured into his coffee. The bartender said it was a local beverage called aguardiente, made by distilling what is left of the fruit after making wine, very potent 42% alcohol. Last night after dinner, we shared a shot. It is very strong, like vodka, but with a sweet aftertaste.
We spent the morning sorting out our belongings: pile for shipping home, pile for backpacking, pile for leaving with bikes. Dennis then rode his bike to where we are storing it and then returned for mine, since I can’t ride on account of the gashed knee. I met him in town, went to the UPS store and then to the bus station, where we bought tickets for Lisbon. Our preparing for Portugal is done: tomorrow we are off, no longer bicigrinos but peregrinos. We celebrated this fact with a meal at Cafe Monolo in the Old Quarter; I had octopus stew, grilled squid, and half a bottle of wine.
I have an over-packed backpack. How did I manage on the last Camino? I know somehow it will all come together.
Jane & Dennis: so sorry your schedule was changed due to injury. Thank goodness it was not as serious as it could have been and that it was “fixed” right away. Hopefully due to the great physical condition you’re in you’ll get back on the bike in no time. We miss you two and look forward to picking up where we left off. Will we be too boring after your great adventure? Judy and Dave decided to discontinue monthly dinners.
Meantime, keep us posted and have fun – we loved Portugal! The food was great, the people and the scenery – of course, not to miss the many excellent portos available! Love, Joyce & Joe
Joyce, I am so looking forward to this Portugal adventure. Looking forward to seeing you again and to comparing our time here with yours.
You have really had some challenges. I appreciate the way you seem to have taken them all in stride! Good luck going to Lisbon
Good to see that you also arrived in Santiago.
I met you on the day we were passing each other a few times and then drink a cup of coffee in the little place Reliegos. At the bar with the painted wall.
Tomorrow I go back to the Netherlands by train.
I hope you wil have a good walk. I have seen the picture that you have wounded your knee.
Hopefully you don’t have to much pain of it.
Have a good camino in the rest of Europe.
Greetings
Sikke,
Thanks for contacting me. We enjoyed our bicigrino travels and are looking forward to walking the 615 km (382 mi) back to Santiago.
My knee does not hurt; I appreciate your concern.