“If one’s life is simple, contentment has to come. Simplicity is extremely important for happiness. Having few desires, feeling satisfied with what you have, is very vital: satisfaction with just enough food, clothing, and shelter to protect yourself from the elements.” – The Dalai Lama
I started the day off by wearing pants and my coat! It was sooooo windy and frigid when I started the day. Brrrrrr!
By midday I was back in my shorts and t-shirt though…which means all is right with the world. I’m not a fan of cold weather or wind, but with the right gear, I can be a happy camper during almost any situation.
I said to Deborah from Australia (the woman in my hostel last night) this morning how much I love throwing on my backpack every day and the simplicity of the Camino. Everything you need is on your back and therefore we really don’t have a care in the world. The routine of it all is so beautiful. Wake up, brush your teeth, put on your shoes & backpack, and you’re out the door ready to greet another part of the trail. It’s splendid!
Today’s walk was beautiful (again). I know I say it almost daily but Portugal has stunning landscapes. I took my time to “smell the roses” as they say and I saw so many interesting little things along my way.
Like this gorgeous caterpillar.
Fish in a tank at a cafe. I know, I know, that guy on the left looks angry with those eyebrows and a frowny face in the reflection but he was still cute.
Does anyone know what this plant is? In-person, it looks like a green egg. It was growing on a vine on a fence.
After walking 5-6km, I reached the next town of Cernache and went to Cafe Central, which was suggested by the owner of the hostel I stayed at in Conimbriga…she said it was her favorite spot in town. And let me tell you, she wasn’t lying. For those of you who followed my blog posts of the Camino del Norte, you know how much I LOVE chocolate croissants. Well, I’ve been behaving myself on this trip and this is only my second one (so far) and it was oh-so delicious! It was definitely homemade.
I walked most of the day by myself (which I really enjoyed) and then I ran into Deborah at a cafe (the one with the fish in the tank) and we walked the remainder of the way together. We walked through an old Roman aqueduct that had been cut in the middle to make way for a road! These are ancient ruins people!
I talked Deborah into taking some traffic mirror selfies. She is hooked. She said it’s her new favorite thing on the Camino so we took several. Ha! Simplicity brings do much joy, am I right?!?
We made our way into Coimbra, a nice size University town. Not too big and not too small. Coldplay has FOUR shows this week/end so the place is hoppin’. Hardly any beds available but I scored one at the monastery.
Deborah and I had a beer and sparkling water and watched the people and shared stories about our lives until it was time to check-in.
I also stopped by the church and got a stamp for my Pilgrim Passport.
And finally, here’s a bizarre ending to show just how small the world is. A friend of mine from my hometown reached out to let me know that someone from a town that was next to ours lives here in Coimbra…so everyone, please meet James from Bucyrus, KS. I went to meet him and his wife in their lovely home that overlooks this beautiful city. It was so nice to catch up with a fellow Kansan. 🌻 He was even wearing a Chiefs hat!
Goodnight and much love from Portugal! 🇵🇹
Scenes from Day 14
I found this very interesting. When someone dies, they post their obit/funeral details on the lightpoles. RIP.
