Greg's Wanderings

Tag: donitivo alberges

  • The Pilgrims Meal

    The Pilgrims Meal

    Part of the donativo experience is a shared meal prepared by the hospitalero (host). 

    Paulo, our host, with the aid of several of the French people staying here, made our dinner tonight.  A simple meal of a rice & chicken casserole, tossed green salad, bread and wine.  There was lots of everything and a special sponge cake-like dessert.  With dessert, Paulo brought out some homemade orange liqueur made from trees on the property. 

    It was a lovely evening.  Of the 13 of us staying here five speak French almost exclusively, two only spanish.  Five of us converse in English (Dan-New Zealand, Meelis-Estonia, Marsha-Croatia, Eda-Denmark & me).  Then there’s Lena:  born in France, lives on the British Isle of Jersey and married to a Portuguese.  She is able to communicate with everyone and helps keep the conversation going. 

    Paulo’s next batch of liquor. Ready in about a month.
    Paulo gave us each a crocheted heart, done by a local lady

    Meelis pouring wine for the table

  • Day 12 – Aguela to Branca

    Day 12 – Aguela to Branca

    Sept 23

    It’s cold outside.   For the first time, the morning temperate is in the single digits (7 C/44 F) with a high expected of only 22 (71 F).

    As I’m typing this, it’s 5 am and I’m trying to be silent so I don’t wake my three bunkmates: Meelis (Estonia), Paul (Germany) & Amelia (Finland).  

    It’s roughly 75km to Porto, the next major city.  It’s the starting point for most people doing the Camino Portuguese and a decision point as the trail splits.  Some, like my friend Meelis will choose the coastal route and stay near the ocean for about a week.  Others, such as the Italians Nicos, Cristiano and Mariana will be going home, as they are only on a two-week holiday.  

    For me, I am choosing the traditional Central Route after an extra rest day in Porto.  

    But before reaching Porto and the crowds that wait beyond, we have two more nights where nearly everyone on the trail is a friendly face. 

    The walk today was a combination of small villages, eucalyptus “forests” (more like recently planted tree farms) and lots of encounters with the N1 Highway – over, under, across and alongside. 

    Tonight I will be having my first experience in a donotivo alberge. It is run by a veteran of many pilgrimages and you pay what you can afford.  Dinner and breakfast are provided. 

    Old elementary school that is no longer in use.
    Descending into a river valley
    Morning reflections
    Through the eucalyptus “forest”
    Friendly goats. They ran over to great me
    Eucalyptus harvest in full swing. Used for paper pulp
    Remnants of a forest fire.
    Watch for pilgrims!
    Our alberge for the night. Post cover shot is another view.
    Donation box to leave or grab things you need