The flight over was surprisingly uneventful. KLM was a pleasure to fly, with courteous and attentive service.

We had a nice private room at the Lost Inn Porto Hostel just below the cathedral. (You know you’re living large when you point out that you have your own bathroom.)

We arrived in the late afternoon, checked in,  showered, prepared our bags for the morning, and then did a little wandering around.

The area around the cathedral was quaint, interspersed with derelict, spiced up by the occasional drug deal.

We were a little nervous about the “free sangria after 9 pm” hostel offer and the shockingly loud bells from the cathedral, but exhaustion worked a charm and we had a solid night’s sleep.

It is departure day. After some rather lackluster training, we are packed and ready to go. The Porto weather forecast shows decreasing temperatures and rain next week, which will nicely answer the question as to whether or not packing rain gear is a waste of space. To get into the Camino spirit, we are booked in economy class, just a few rows in front of the rear restrooms. Best to habituate ourselves early.

We can’t help reflecting on the amazing experiences we had and the friends that we made on our first Caminos. The Portuguese Way should be amazing. I am especially looking forward to fewer blisters. Hope springs eternal. Ultreia!

Training now underway for the Porto to Santiago slice of our next Camino.