My Camino, with Pictures

[zenb]

So I just finished high-school, exams done, a bit of cash in my pocket... what to do? On the 9th of August I took the night bus to London and flew to Porto to start my Camino Portuguese.

I booked a cheap and simple hotel in the old town of Porto which I arrived to in the morning, and was actually glad to have the day to rest... I was recovering from an upset stomach which could potentially ruin my trip!

Porto hotel window by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr


Camino de Santiago by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

The early morning mist was my favourite time to walk

Portuguese hills by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

Walking through corn fields and vineyards was a beautiful way to see Portugal

Corn fields by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

In Portugal, it's rare to come across another Pilgrim on the trail... but this was my first sighting, 2 friendly Austrian girls who I saw almost every day until Santiago

Fellow pilgrims by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

The reassuring sight of the waymark. I loved the simple Camino life, objectives: Eat, sleep, drink and follow the yellow arrows.

This way to Santiago by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

Meeting amazing people at lunch and dinner was always something I looked forward to... like Tom the Israeli school-teacher

Midday rest by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

My last dawn in Portugal, an Amazing country!

Dawn by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

As I crossed into Spain I was greeted by a lively street festival

Spanish national holiday by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

Once I passed the 100km to go mark, the Camino shifted. An influx of Spanish tourists completing the last stage of the Camino meant racing to the hostels was in order to secure a bed. Despite arriving at my destination for 10.30, I was still in a long line of other pilgrims waiting for refuge!

Waiting for beds by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

To get a bed was now a huge relief and pleasure after a days walking.

Pilgrim hostel by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

Despite the rush, it's always necessary to take your load off if it's a nice spot!

47 by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

Always nice to take these off at the end of the day!

55 by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

My last night before Santiago, in Padron. A really nice evening of cooking with friends before we go our separate ways.

54 by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

At 3pm, I stumble into the sqaure in Santiago... at the same time so does my dad who just completed his Camino Frances!

59 by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

My credential, in a Santiago Cafe

Pilgrim passport by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

We take the 20hr ferry home to England, the perfect way to travel!

Santander - Plymouth by Ben Shmulevitch, on Flickr

Overall the trip took me 10 days, and it left me just wanting to carry on! Now I can't wait to pack my bag again for the Camino Frances. My worries about pain, or giving up early didn't realise, I actually learnt that I'm more determined than I thought, despite painful legs!