A late start today, breakfast didn’t start until 8:15 (we are learning to be patient for our coffee!), then it took a bit before the taxi picked us up and dropped us off in Caldas de Reis. It was market day, we watched the vendors setting up stalls and putting out their wares as we headed out of town, crossing another medieval bridge.
Soon we were treated to our daily chorus of barking dogs- we hear them almost as often as church bells!
More gorgeous scenery on our morning walk. The sky was grey and soon we felt raindrops, so covered up and kept trekking.
We passed cows, churches and a newish sports area that even had an outdoor ping pong table!
We saw corn being harvested by hand, a man playing bagpipes, a kitty drinking from a fountain.
We stopped for lunch at a lovely spot across from a church. We were surprised how many people had wine or beer with their lunch. Can’t imagine doing that with another 7k (4+ miles) to go!
The forest was lush and beautiful.
We passed a guy selling beer – he had several takers!
Entering Padron we were serenaded by another bagpiper and a drummer- very cool! Our hotel is right on the Camino, overlooking a tree lined walk next to the river.
After a much needed shower (it was even more humid today than yesterday), Theresa explored the Church of St. James of Padron, including the stone where the boat that brought St James to Spain was moored. She also checked out the Santiago bridge and the Carmelite convent, which has a beautiful view from its site on the hill.
We tried the famous pimentos de Padron (fried green peppers), Michelle was not very impressed, though Theresa liked them. We also had a tortilla- aka a Spanish omelette- which is basically eggs and potatoes, similar to a dense quiche.
On our way back to our hotel we found a group of older men playing a game where they tossed heavy metal disks at a target. We couldn’t figure out how points were scored or what was a good or bad toss. Need to do some internet research to find out the name of the game!
Michelle decided we needed a sugar fix so went out and bought frozen mini lava cakes. Unfortunately we didn’t have anything to heat them up with. OR DID WE?!
