Tuesday, May 17Sao Joao de Madeira to Grijo and Porto

Tuesday, May 17 walked to Grijo from Sao Joao de Madeira then moved on to Porto by car.
First impression: Porto ìs a delight!

Another day of walking by myself, mostly through industrial areas. Although there were always buildings around me and pavement under my feet it was an interesting experience.
There were no deserted villages and all the businesses were busy. The economic spread between the bosses and workers appear minimal. The only hovel that I have seen ìs on an old Roman road. (I didn't see the occupants so I can make no remarks about their relative position,)

Once in Grijo one walks perhaps half a mile around a huge park belonging to the Monastery St. Salvador. Perhaps I could have spent the night there. They usually have a few beds for pilgrims to Fatima, but since it is early in the season, and May 13 is past, they might have found room for the old lady on her way to Santiago.

Wednesday, May 18 I am staying in Porto for two days. My hotel is in a great location just outside of the old town, adjacent to a lovely chapel.

This morning I took a bus around the western side of the city to the Atlantic Ocean.

Then into the mouth of the Douro

Then I really played the tourist role, taking a river cruise to go under all the bridges.

Then a 2 hour people watching  lunch on the waterfront

A trip up the stairs to the ladies

And off to the cathedral for a stamp in my credential where I met Laurie who works at International House in Berkeley.

She will start walking to Santiago on Saturday.
The museum and cloisters, a sit down and soon I will be off for an evening of Fado.

Please notice the welcoming sunshine!