Coimbra – Sernadelo April 26, 2024

After a hearty breakfast, I left the city of Coimbra behind me and continued my trek north.

Today was different to the first 10 days in that I met quite a number of other pilgrims. Early on, I met Rita from Pavia in Italy and I got to practise my Italian for a few hours.

Later I walked with a Frenchman and an Englishman.

I popped into a tiny shop to get some apples. It’s amazing how just a very basic knowledge of Portuguese helps in these situations – “Duas maçãs, por favor.”

Someone had kindly left some oranges from their garden on the front fence. I had one and it was very nice.

As well as pilgrims heading north to Santiago, there was a constant stream of Portuguese pilgrims heading south to Fatima.

They kept coming all day and were still coming past the restaurant when I was eating at 7pm. I noticed few were carrying water or had backpacks . They must have their luggage transported.

A lot of the walking was on bitumen unfortunately. I find it very hard on the feet . Rain was forecast but all we got was a few spits. I ran into one pilgrim today who wore her big heavy raincoat all day just in case!

As always, I passed numerous interesting gardens.

My destination today is famous for its sucking pig. As you come into town, there is a tile picture of a cook and the little pig and there are restaurants everywhere.

I’m in a large private albergue and it’s booked out for tonight. The owner was turning away pilgrims. In Spain in years gone by I never booked ahead but I’m glad I have this time.

I went to the attached restaurant to try out the acclaimed little piggy.

Here’s my video for the day.

https://www.relive.com/view/vmqX3LeWMo6