202404 Camino, Espana, Ireland

Hola queridos amigos. Cuando leas esto estaremos en España. Recorriendo 140km del Camino. Explorando España. Luego a Irlanda y un Camino Irlandés.

Salida el 1 de abril y regreso el 2 de agosto.

Adiós.

The plan is to land in Paris. Head for a few days to Biarritz. Transfer to Bilbao and fly to Santiago de Compestela. Bus to Triacastela and walk back over 2 weeks. Few more days in Santiago. Then hire car to explore the Northern part of Spain. Fisterre, Puerto de Vega and Santander are calling us. Down to Madrid to catch up with Lexy, via Burgos to view the oldest cathedral in Spain.

Then a few weeks driving through Spain. Fly to Majorca. A few days in Barcelona.

Fly to London for my birthday!

Then off to drive Ireland and doing the Kerry Camino Walk.

Eventually return to Paris from Dublin and back in Brisbane on August 2nd.

I'm building the BLOG in reverse date order this year. Easier for us!!!

Decided to add other blogs to cover:

• Northern Spain

• Madrid with Lexy

• The rest of Spain

A long walk of 23km today for our final leg into Santiago. Quite saddened by the thought our Camino adventure is ending. We enjoyed a few coffee stops inbound and collected more than the required two stamps!

Stopped in Lavacolla for coffee and Santiago (almond cake). Quickly quaffed the lot when we saw two tour buses arrive. We dashed up the final slope as though Satan was chasing us.

Was very special walking through the arch listening to a bag pipe being played as we headed for the main square. We were blessed with sunshine as we sat in the square, took photos and enjoyed the journey.

The Pilgrim's Chapel adjacent to the Pilgrim's office was a resting place after receiving our Compestela. They are so well organised at the office, the large line moved quickly. The Chapel had a powerpoint presentation which was excellent viewing. And we returned the next morning for English Mass at 1030am.

The BEST MASS or Church service I have ever attended. If we were in Santiago for another day we would have attended again.

Following Mass we explored more. Hunger and thirst guided us to a small restaurant in the back streets off the main tourist route. Ocurro Da Parra (reservas@ocurrodaparra.com) gave us a small table for 2 downstairs. A perfect spot in the midst of their wine cellar. Sergio and his team took such great care of us. Wine recommendation, very high quality of service and meals. So impressed we returned for lunch the next day. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

The Camino has been a wonderful journey for us both. Yet the journey is only beginning I think. More walking, more cycling, more exploring, more finding balance in our lives. More understanding of one another, our families and friends. Lots of time to think and reflect on the Camino.

More to come.

Full Camino planned for 2027. Theresa will have retired fully by then. As for me, I'll downscale but keep my hand in just for the pleasure of delivering exceptional outcomes for patients, our Doctors and employers.

A very simple overnight stay in a Casa Rural (Hotel O Pozo) to prepare for our final leg into Santiago. Our Hotel and the hostesses were absolutely fabulous.

Again, some sensational scenery and much time to reflect.

In Arzua we met a Portugese cyclist. Explained last year we rode in Europe, have climbed Alpe de Huez, Venteaux et al. Which led to much excitement and merriment as we exchanged cycling stories. On our walk to O Pino we met him again and his cycling group. Vitor Andrade in from Porto just over the border. VERY FIT gravel and MTB rider, just a lovely fellow.

That is one of the fabulous things about the Camino (and I think cycling). You meet people from all walks of life, all with interesting stories to share.

Muy Bien Camino!

Two more walking days. Seems quite surreal for us. And am sure it would be VERY SURREAL for those who have walked from St Jean some 800k back!

We stayed at the Hotel Arzua. Comfortable enough. And the highlight was finding a very good restaurant in town.

Our first walk with a little rain.

And we learned the joys of departing EARLY. Avoiding the bulk of the crowds.

What a great town. Lots of historical sights. Get into the back streets and enjoy the pubs and cafes where the locals meet. The Hotel Luxe Melide could not do enough for us. We needed a work centre and they gifted us one of the conference rooms for the day.

Melide is renowned for its Pulpo (octopus) and it did not disappoint. When you visit head for Garnacha! And if you need a respite from Galician fare try . Wonderful roasted vegetables, peppers and more! Casa Alongos is the restaurant.

As we relocated early we needed a taxi back to Palas del Rae and we walked from there. Sadly, we struck large groups of tourists and a school group. Both played loud music on the walk which ruined the experience for us. We tried out pacing a noisy group only to find another. A message from God "you cannot control everything and simply need to make the most of the situation if you cannot make changes".

Will definitely spend another couple of days here on our full Camino in about 3 years time.

Melide was a fabulous choice. And definitely on our list to return.

A couple of very special photos I've been working on in Lightroom.

A LONG WALK from Portomarin.

NOT IMPRESSED with this town. And our accomodation in an apartment was spoiled by very noisy neighbours. So we relocated to Melide the next day. A great choice.

An early morning start from Sarria as we wanted to avoid the tourista horde!!!! What a town. What a fabulous town. Enough historical sights to quench the thirst. And a lot of wonderful cafes to quench both thirst and hunger.

We rented an apartment, La Casa de Manual. Was located on the top floor at the top of the hill. Spectacular views. Spacious 2 bedrooms, modern, great WIFI and TV, large bathroom with a WASHING MACHINE!!! Truly helpful and friendly hostess (Pili). Will stay here again too.

Portomarin was a special place. Akin to Samos and Triacastela.

Trekking the longer distance via Samos was definitely worthwhile. And the route between Samos and Sarria was gorgeous.

Sarria was a huge shock as we had spent some time in small villages. Whilst we enjoyed our stay at La Casona de Saria, the hostess (and owner) was awesome we would by pass the town next time and overnight at Barbedela instead.

The standout for us in Sarria was the days break at our digs. And also enjoying the culinary delights at Restaurante Roma just down the road.

DEFiNITELY a LOT more peligrinos in Sarria. Sarria is the starting point for all those who seek to qualify having walked 100kilometres.

Only an overnight stop at Casa De Botica in Samos. But next time we will overnight Triacastela and head for a couple of days here. Whilst a small town, the hotel is sensational, so too the monastery and local restaurants.

And the walk is both easy and beautiful.

Monbus ride with a full load out to Triacastela. A small village about 130km out of Santiago. The bus was full of excited "peligrinos". And followed the Camino route so we had a chance to look at the geography and the towns we would pass through.

The bus empited at Sarria. Sarrias is the starting point for those who want to earn their certificate for walking 100km. We went further.

Dropped off at Triacastela with 4 Irish peligrionos. They headed to the Alberque for bunk beds, we headed for Hotel Alda. Another WOW. 2nd hotel, not expensive and amazing welcome, rooms and service.

We had 3 days set aside here. A couple of days to clear up work. YES we take our laptops, 2nd screen and global internet with us. Thankfully we can continue to deliver services to our healthcare clients and Doctors whilst away from the Brisbane office.

Whilst a small village Triacastela had lots of interesting sights. The church. The original hotel. A fully restored flour mill. The tiny streets. The farm land. And we found this "pub" that offered a broad selection of Galician food and wine, unsurpassed service from "Columbian" staff.

Our "peligrino" meals were starter, main course, dessert and a refillable bottle of excellent local wine each. All for Euro15 each.

YES we got photobombed on the bus!!!

Sincerest thanks to our very, very, very good "amigo" Nicole Svencis who:

a. shared her Camino with us

b. encouraged us to do so and

c. provided lots of advice to us and

d. suggested we take a taxi out to Fonfria and walk from there.

A great start for Theresa with her "suspect knee". A 10km walk. The scenery is gorgeous. BUT the best part of the walk is the time to chat and the time to think. Bien Camino.

Flew Vieuling from Bilbao to Santiago. No issues. Taxi picked up with driver waiting for us at arrivals. "Loco abuelo" taxi driver at very high speed into town. Fortunately travelling row 1 we were suitably "anaesthetised". Arrived "safe and sound" at Hotel Rua Villar. Fabulous hotel, amazing staff.

I'm not posting photos and videos until we return to Santiago at the end of our walk. Suffice to say Santiago was "moving", amazing, sensational.

Santiago ... you'll have to wait until we finish the walk in 14 days!!

We originally chose Biarritz as it was a waypoint on our way to commence the Camino in St Jean Pied de Port. A place to relax for a few days before our 800K+ walk.

With Theresa's keen injury we shortened our Camino but decided to still visit Biarritz and it looked very interesting. We were not disappointed.

Hotel Windsor is on the beach front, small hotel, family owned, awesome team, great place to base ourselves.

We were able to explore the town, lots of old buildings, narrow laneways filled with interesting stores. The fresh food market was sensational but sadly we are not staying in an AirBnB with the chance to cook ourselves. But the adjacent restaurants were not disappointing.

We hired a Basque to take us on a guided tour, we learned much of their history, culture, language and food. Gorgeous homes with unique designs on our tour. We found the original Chanel workshop and store near our Hotel.

The hotel recommended we take the bus (25minutes) to Bayonne as their annual festival was held on the weekend. Catching the bus was very easy. And Bayonne whilst a larger town still had the historic streets and buildings that Theresa and I both enjoy.

We arrived in time for Mass at the Catherdral heralded by an interesting procession.

And following Mass we joined the throng on their way to celebrate. Fortunately we were placed on a table at a crowded pub and enjoyed a set course menu with local wines (lots). Very surprised at the small bill!!! Must return!!!

After our week of exploring and packed in a little work (thank heavens for Solis 5G global internet) it was time for us to head for Santiago De Compostela. The easiest route was a vehicle transfer 140km to Bilbao and catch Vieuling to Santiago. Then a very hairy taxi ride into Santiago driven by "el loco abeulo!!!".

More to come.

Paris is a favorite city for us. And we LOVE THE FRENCH people. So welcoming. We stayed at our favorite hotel (Hotel Du Bois Champs Elysees) which is one block from the Arc de Triumphe. In the heart of Paris, well priced, immaculate rooms, friendly staff.

Our aim this visit was to return to the Le Drugstore Restaurant overlooking the Arc De Triumphe, holds wonderful memories for Theresa from her backpacking days.

And to explore the Louvre. We ended up doing a 20k+ walk as we roamed down to the Eiffel Tower and through the neighbourhoods on the way to the Louvre. Had lunch at a very eclectic hotel on the Seine.

SADLY we had no time to visit dear friends (Paul Garnier and family) whom took such great care of us when we spent time in Cherrvoix. We tried to get a French Long Stay visa to enable more than 90 days in Europe but the process in Australia is "impossible". Cie la vie.

And then off via the TGV from Paris to Biarritz.

Once again Singapore Airlines have exceeded our expectations.

In my business life and shortly thereafter QANTAS was my preferred airline in Australia and Overseas. NO LONGER for various reasons.

Overseas we travel Singapore Airlines or one of their alliance partners. And we very much enjoyed our first Virgin flight to Hobart and return.

Having LOST significant Qantas points with cancelled COVID flights which were impossible to recover AND the lack of reward seats AND the diminution of reward points QANTAS can GGF!!! NEVER AGAIN :}:}

On arrival in Paris SAL confirmed we are now Gold Status. 50kg of baggage each which is PERFECT when travelling with luggage and bikes. Access to every lounge needed by us in Australia and Overseas plus more.

3:15am start. Both very excited. Read through our trip notes. Back to sleep. Coffee at 6am. Check Merc and Triton are on trickle chargers. Garden sprinklers with new batteries. Final back pack checks, Mark's 14kg and Theresa 11kg. Fortunately our packs will be carried town to town on the Camino. Day packs carried only, plus my camera pack.