In a world which is becoming more and more divided and where it is suggested that we be suspicious of ‘others’ our experiences in Portugal have been the exact opposite. From the outset we have been warmly received. People go out of their way to help and direct us and many have stopped whatever they are doing as we pass to ‘chat’ in broken languages of all sorts, or to guide us to the right path, show us the entrance to the parish church.
Here is little stories that to me have been the essence of the kindness we have received everywhere along the way.
A couple of mornings ago we had had a long walk on empty stomachs and we were standing in drizzling rain evaluating our options when this elderly woman materialized out of no where. She was happy to point out the Camino route but we explained we were looking for a cafe nearby. She pointed and spoke in rapid Portugeuse and we managed to establish there was a hotel just a couple of hundred meters off the route. We thanked her and she ran off in the direction of the little street sweeper vehicle she had abandoned on the roundabout to race to our assistance.
Part II of the same story was when we dragged our hungry, weary bodies into the hotel reception and asked about breakfast the receptionist excused herself and when came she say breakfast would be ready in a couple of minutes. We assumed they were just setting a table for us but when we went through to the dining room it became apparent that breakfast had finished and they had kindly pull out all the breakfast things in order that we would eat. I have never been so grateful or so touched, most places would just apologize and say breakfast is finished. It is this going the extra mile when they aren’t asked or don’t have to that has impressed me so much about Portugeuse people.
Even the dogs are watching over the pilgrims
Ola’ Your stories bring back memories of the
Portuguese in Brazil! Beautiful culture &
Great hospitality never lost…
It just goes to show that the world is not a lost cause just yet.
Portuguese tarts… Yummmy. But I would miss the salads.
Happy travelling
I hope it’s not a lost cause Sue, I really hope so.
Delighted those blistered feet haven’t stopped you!
I’m not surprised you love Portugal, it’s a beautiful, peaceful country.
Enjoy!
Blisters holding up Catherine?
Still working through them Nina, the first lot healed but I managed to go for a second round. We have a welcome rest in two days, we will be in Porto.
Brings me back! Enjoy the peace and beauty of the place…quiet time to contemplate…can’t wait to do it again.
Warm wishes
Mary
Thanks so much for these wonderful stories, they show how amazing life can be (Not only on the Camino, but especially there!)
Love and hugs
Thanks Sabine, I hope you are having a fun holiday.
What a wonderful trip you are having. And what an affirmation to know that kindness and hospitality to strangers is still something that people value and how much it has made your trip even more memorable! What is the food like there? I’m curious…
It has been amazing Rob, blisters not withstanding. Portugal is a beautiful country, just a little tired and run down after the economic downturn. The food situation has been a bit of a challenge for me. There is lots to eat but I struggle for things like beans, lentils etc. Bread,delicious pastries and coffee are the local staples.