Day 5 - Redondela to Pontevedra

The toilet lid is up, I hate it when it’s left open! And also, although my female readership might harshly criticize me now, it’s always been the ladies who leave the toilet lid open. I hate that and wonder why it is? Can’t they just see it when they sit up straight?

The bathroom floor is covered in water. Unfortunately, some people simply have no consideration for others. Even though I had a decent sleep, that has been my experience from my first and perhaps last hostel stay.

My body is in pain and needs strengthening, I have quite a bit of muscle soreness and my right foot continues to trouble me. I find a café. The well-oiled Spanish gastronomy serves me everything I need at the table within minutes, with three different staff members. Today there are fried eggs; my body is crying out for proteins.

So then I set off for Arcade, still uncertain about how long I want to walk today. But it quickly becomes clear that it’s a very steep path ahead. There are quite a few pilgrims in front of me. However, there are also some beautiful forest paths that become steeper always. By my feeling, we have already climbed several hundred meters in altitude. After all, it’s pretty good training for my Alpine tour in June.

Since Vigo, the scallop shells with the corresponding arrow direction are visible everywhere. Almost at every street corner. Along the way, there are little tables repeatedly, selling Jacob's shell souvenirs or distributing free fruits. The Camino seems to also be a very important source of income for this Galicia, as not much industry is observed outside of Nico. Everyone is cheerful and in a good mood, and I suddenly realize with astonishment that I am already in Arcade by around 11:30 am. This truly surprises me; somehow, I seem to have been able to block out my pain.

Upon arriving in Arcade, I immediately choose the first café on the left side of the street and get an Americano coffee and a water for €2.50. On the terrace, I meet Paula from Holland, who is walking the coastal path from Porto.

Paula also reminds me that I should better look for accommodation in Pontevedra, as accommodations there are very expensive.

And indeed, until €100, I find not a single room with a private bathroom, so I decide to look for accommodation in a hostel once more.

At least it has good reviews and seemingly enough toilets and showers.

I will now also head to Pontevedra since I still have ample time.