Portuguese Way from Tui – Stage 2 – Walking Blog

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That evening, before going to sleep, we set our alarms for the next morning and arranged to meet at 7:30. The plan was to enjoy a good breakfast at the bar and then set off as dawn broke.

The alarm sounds at 06:45. It's still dark outside, but everyone in the dormitory is already awake and surprisingly active. I, on the other hand, take a while to manage to open both eyes and figure out where I am! A quick wash, last things into the rucksack, generous amounts of foot cream, and off we go. The girls are brilliant—they're all ready at least 10 minutes early, truly far more organised and diligent than us, running a couple of minutes behind schedule.

We leave the albergue and head to the bar recommended by the hospitalero. Generous portions and exquisite pastries are served with the warm smile of the barmaid, who sends us off with a heartfelt Buen Camino.

The day is marked by constant shifts between rain, hail and sunshine, perhaps also influenced by what we call the curse of Lucia's glasses, which somehow trigger sudden downpours and bad weather whenever she pulls them out of their case and puts them on. Indeed, from this evening onwards, they've been officially confiscated by the group.

Poncho always at hand, we tackle this day too with great enthusiasm and more confidence than yesterday. Some pick up the pace, others slow down, perhaps seeking a bit of company or, conversely, some time alone with their thoughts.

Read more about the Portuguese Way from Tui 〉

The stage is a constant up and down, at times along forest trails, at times on asphalt. We reach Redondela, where we rush into the first bar we find on the road. All wet and dripping, we set our rucksacks on a plastic sheet purposely laid out by the barista, and sit down, hungry, at the first tables we see. Outside, the sun is shining—truly crazy weather when you think that just 5 minutes earlier it was hailing.

A burger and salad, naturally accompanied by a good coffee, and we're already ready to move on. Destination: Arcade.

Half an hour passes and we spot the sea to our left, and as we know, water always has its charm, especially when it's not coming down in buckets on our heads!

A brief but unpleasant stretch along a busy road and we've arrived in Arcade, a charming little town right on the Gulf of Vigo.

The albergue is all ours, and it has a well-stocked and equipped kitchen. Tonight we're cooking, and we're making Paella Valenciana!

Chef: Vincenzo

Sous chef: Maurizio

Table setters: Lidia and Moyra

Bottle opener: Lucia

Diners: everyone!!

A wonderful evening, not only for the shared food but for the spirit of collaboration and joy that fills the air. Everyone heads to bed happier and more relaxed.

Tomorrow's a short stage.

Pontevedra, here we come!

Go to Stage 3 〉

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