Tuesday September 16, 2014
I am not sure what is “worthy of note” about this city, because for what we can see it has two lovely churches, the large seminary where we stayed and a nice old square and that is about it. It is a university City and has a very large shopping mall. The first big shopping mall we have come across for quite a while. We had a lie-in until 8:00 and had a nice breakfast. We packed our bags and left the albergue at about 10:30.
We decided to stay in a hotel tonight, and choose the one that is on our route for tomorrow.
As we passed the post office an English couple spoke to us – noticing Ralf’s Canadian flag. We chatted to them for a while and then made our way to the hotel, which is about 2kms out of town and down a steep hill.
We had also decided to go to the big shopping mall, for some window shopping. After we had got settled in to the hotel, we caught the bus to the shopping mall. We spent about 3 hours just wandering around, looking at some nice stores. I bought a Portuguese/English phrase book and Ralf bought a new memory card for his camera.
We have decided not to get a new sim card for the phone, because wi-fi is available almost everywhere in Portugal. If by the time we get to Porto (about 2 days away) we decide we need it, we will get it there. The weather has turned against us, it is very humid and rainy, I had a migraine today, first one for a while. Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow, although it is forecast for more rain and thunderstorms, more hills tomorrow, but after a days rest, it will be good.
It was good to meet you both outside the Post Office in Vila Real. We found the daily rain a bit too much. We went north to Montesinho Natural park , which was lovely and did a short bike ride on the quiet road and tracks.. We are now back in Spain in the sun and at a gloriously mountainous area a Natural Park staying at Somiedo. The landscape is so dramatic and there are bears and wolves here. So relieved at the NO vote on the Scottish Referendum we have been picking up then news on the BBC and were up early to get the results. Wishing you well for your continued adventure, may the wind be behind you all the way.
Catriona & Nigel
Hi Catriona and Nigel
We got absolutely soaked and cold after leaving Vila Real, but have enjoyed two lovely days of sunshine in Porto. Looking forward to going back into Spain
Glad Scotland voted NO.