The Portuguese Camino with Paulo and Patrícia: from Barcelos to Santiago as a couple
The Portuguese Camino with Paulo and Patrícia was an adventure for two, backpacks on. They both love walking, so they had talked about going to Santiago for a long time. Then, once they felt physically fit, they set off from Barcelos along the Central Way.
Along the way, they slept in private houses, guesthouses, a hotel and an albergue. In addition, they still remember how friendly everyone was, and one special host, Fernanda. In this interview, they tell us about their itinerary, the weight of the backpack in the first hour and the gratitude they felt on arrival.
Why Paulo and Patrícia walked the Portuguese Camino
First, the couple explain where the wish came from. After all, the Portuguese Camino with Paulo and Patrícia grew out of photos, personal stories and history programmes. Then they tell us where they slept at each stop and how they prepared.
Paulo and Patrícia, why did you decide to walk the Camino de Santiago?
Patrícia and Paulo: We both really love walking and we had been talking about it for some time. We used to see photos and stories from people who had already done it, and we always thought it would be a good challenge for the two of us. We also watched history programmes about the Camino, legends.
What was your itinerary on the Portuguese Camino?
Patrícia and Paulo: Barcelos, Vitorino de Piaes (Casa Fernanda), Labruja (Casa Conforto), Valença (Hotel Valores), Redondela (private albergue), Pontevedra (private house), Caldas de Reis (Pensão Estrela do Caminho guesthouse), Picaranha, Santiago.
How did you prepare physically for the Camino?
Patrícia and Paulo: We didn’t prepare physically with the Camino in mind. In the months before, we went on several walks and trails, and we also started running once a week. And it was because we felt physically well that we decided it was the ideal time to do the Camino. We kept putting it off for various reasons, namely health problems. We felt it was the ideal time precisely because we were physically well. The trails prepared us in a natural way.
Surprises and challenges on the Portuguese Camino with Paulo and Patrícia
Right at the start, the backpack felt heavier than they expected. However, people’s kindness made up for everything. Also, Paulo and Patrícia have fond memories of the Portuguese Camino, especially of Caldas de Reis and Casa Fernanda.
What surprised you most along the route?
Patrícia and Paulo: How friendly everyone was! Really everyone! The pilgrims, the albergues, restaurants, cafés, the locals.
What was the hardest moment?
Patrícia and Paulo: Honestly, it was the first hour of the Camino! Because of the weight of the backpack! And it happened to both of us! But we didn’t say anything to each other at the time. But, for the first hour, we were wondering how on earth we would manage to do the Camino with that weight! Of course we managed! And afterwards it even felt strange walking around Santiago without the backpack!
What was the most comfortable place you stayed in?
Patrícia and Paulo: The most comfortable place was in Caldas dos Reis, at the Pensão Estrela.
What was the best meal of the Camino?
Patrícia and Paulo: It was on the very first day, at Casa Fernanda.
People, the backpack and arriving in Santiago
Finally, they talk about the people they met and the essentials for the backpack. If you are still packing yours, see what to pack in your backpack for the Camino de Santiago. Then they describe the arrival and share a tip for anyone who wants to walk as a couple.
Who did you meet on the Camino that you will never forget?
Patrícia and Paulo: Fernanda from Casa Fernanda! As well as a pilgrim who stayed the night there, I don’t remember his name. But what he shared and his way of life left a mark on us!
What should never be missing from a pilgrim’s backpack?
Patrícia and Paulo: Socks, a rain jacket and water.
Paulo and Patrícia, how did you react when you reached Santiago at the end of the Camino?
Patrícia and Paulo: When we arrived there were lots of people! And we were surprised, it was only after being there for a while that we lay down on the ground, and that’s when it really was a feeling of gratitude! Grateful for everything we lived on the Camino and grateful because we made it with open hearts and without any physical injuries
Paulo and Patrícia, what tip would you give to couples thinking of walking the Camino?
Patrícia and Paulo: If you feel like doing it, do it! With an open mind and heart, ready to receive and to give what the Camino has for each person. Whether as a couple or in a group.
With an open mind and heart, ready to receive and to give what the Camino has for each person.
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