7th Day: Break in Valença

On this day, I had to recharge my batteries. Not only the ones of my devices, but also my physical ones.

I felt a twinge in my left calf, which I saw as a warning sign, because a strain or even worse, a muscle tear, would mean the end of this type of trip.

So I spent most of the day sleeping and by the pool.

In the meantime, I also did something for my tan, which was already well developed.

The rain at home made me appreciate the 30 degrees even more.😎

A week has passed now. Time for an interim conclusion.

I don't regret a minute of taking this trip. Unfortunately, due to Corona, there haven't been many contacts with other pilgrims, but I still enjoyed my time here very much.

The physical exertions were easier to bear near the beach, because there was always a fresh breeze and a great view. And you couldn't get lost, because somewhere by the sea the path continued when it ended.

I got to know a country that I never had on my list, to which I had no connection or experience. I can already say that I always felt safe here. People were also always friendly. A 'Bom dia' from me was returned by 95% of the people (regardless of age).

It even happened more often that suddenly a 'Bom Caminho' (which means something like 'Have a nice journey' and is the greeting for pilgrims) came from somewhere when I walked by.

I really can't speak Portuguese, because so far I only knew a few bits of Spanish, as well as French and English from school.

And so I had written down some things, like 'Good day', 'Yes/no', 'Thank you', 'please', etc...

But initially I only knew that Obrigado (thank you) is divided into feminine and masculine.

I thought that you say ObrigadA to women and ObrigadO to men. And so I always politely said Obrigada in cafes/restaurants when a woman served me.

Until I realized that women say Obrigada and men say Obrigado. It was a bit embarrassing for me when I looked back and thought about who I had thanked so wrongly.

The same problem with 'de nada' (please). I initially said 'Grenada', which sounds similar, but is an island.🙈

But over time it got a little better and I tried to communicate with hands and feet and a few bits of Portuguese that were replaced by English when I looked clueless.

The Portuguese are a loud people, that's my assessment after a week. There is a lot of talking and it's loud. Motorcycle owners apparently remove the muffler right after buying the machine. An incredibly annoying noise.

Fresh fish is offered in supermarkets, for example at Lidl they have prawns, mussels, etc.

But what I found disgusting: Bacalhau (Salted dried cod), which is sold everywhere here. Smells like dog food. 🤢

For the hike itself, I can only give the advice: good shoes (one size larger), gel insoles and foam insoles underneath.

High-dose magnesium before going to sleep! Plus a good sports cream or horse balm and apply it before going to sleep.

Apply sunscreen before hiking (high sun protection factor).

Foot cream helps the exhausted feet in the evening after the run.

I had previously ordered seamless hiking socks, which I think are great.

Important: blister plasters! Fortunately, I only needed one so far, but it helped really well.