Today, for the first time the Camino Portuguese looked a little more like the Camino Frances as we encountered many pilgrims, Canadians, English, French and many others. Up until now, we have only encountered other pilgrims at the hostels but today they seemed to be everywhere on the road. We know that some of the new groups have joined after going north to Fatima and now are moving on to Santiago. Others, we presume, have picked the city of Coimbra as a starting point.
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| Chapel prior to a procession today in Lendiosa. |
The Pensao Larbelo where we stayed last night was OK. However, the highlight of the night was our meal. Mary decided we needed a change to the standard fare we were having, so she treated us to tapas, and it was excellent, in a very English language friendly restaurant - Dux Petiscos E Vinhos. It was Trip Advisors No 1 of 251 places to eat in Coimbra. It was a walk of about 1.5kms, but that seems so little these days.
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| Making progress? |
Much shorter walk today. A couple of short stiff hills thrown in but generally flat. Got to Mealhada at about 13.15 (having left Coimbra at 7am) but our accommodation was at the far end of town so that took a further half hour. It is excellent, and though its restaurant is not open today, there are lots other restaurants nearby. The front of the premises is the Hilario restaurant, while the rear has the sign Alberge de Peregrinos.
We are tonight in the Tipico restaurant next door. Mary had their speciality - suckling pig!!
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| Pumpkins |
Something I meant to mention yesterday was the Roman aqueduct we passed on the way into Coimbra. This ancient structure was cut in half to accommodate a new motorway a few years back. I won't pretent to understand the rights and wrongs of the whole thing, but it does seem to be an appalling shame.
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| Aqueduct. |
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