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Market Monday

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Every Monday, folks flock into town for the Feira Semanal de Espinho. By the size of the crowds, it is quite popular.

Part farmers’ market, part flea market, it is said that whatever you’re looking for, it can be found here.

From carrots to cutlery, garments to guinea pigs, heirloom tomatoes to honey, mattresses to muslin, sausages to silkies, watches to Wellies… there wasn’t much I didn’t spot.

After the market we headed to the beach to relax a bit but found another people explosion.

At the end of the strip, we spotted a relatively quiet beach bar and settled in with Somersbys to pass the time until my last night’s group dinner. While I’m not thrilled to be moving on in the morning, I’m not going to miss wrestling with a wetsuit.

Little Venice

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Welcome to Aveiro, the Little Venice of Portugal!

Named for the network of canals and moliceiros, colorful boats originally used for seaweed collection, that glide along the waterways.

Each moliceiro is painted with a scene of its former use. The one I rode in was previously used for transporting salt.

While salt collection has declined, there are still a few active salinas, salt ponds, in use today.

The grilled cod I had for lunch had just the right amount of salt and was delicious. Also enjoyable was the ovos moles, a local egg-based pastry delicacy, which I tried in original form and as ice cream.

Walking around town was delightful with good music, street art,

and whimsical notes.

Even the train station is charming, leading you to consider returning for at least another day trip.

Estátuas Vivas

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The 27th International Festival of Living Statues is taking place in Espinho this weekend. These hippies were one of my favorites.

I didn’t know who these men were representing but they “performed” well.

The ladies also put on a good show but there was no way I was sitting in the empty chair of the Statue of Peace. I did appreciate the hanbok.

Arte Xávega

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Today was a rest day so instead of surfing, I did a little exploring. I came across this boat, Rita e Carolina, which is said to be the last one that keeps the art of dragging, a traditional artisanal fishing technique, alive in Espinho.

The Vamos Andando could also do the job but is now displayed in front of the Espinho Town Hall instead.

Moving Onward

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Today I arrived in Espinho, Portugal.

To do some… surfing! Being in Finisterre and Muxía inspired me to have more beach time.

So, I found a surf camp in this lovely beach town, where I expect I will soon be eating salt cod.

I’m excited about this next adventure!

Cessation of the Peregrination

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I love that in Santiago de Compestela a hundreds of years old building can be the backdrop to a carnival.

So, I’m back doing the obligatory final pilgrim things like hugging Saint James,

admiring the As Marias sculpture, and eating great food.

As the last member of our Camino family strolls in to town, we pay homage to him.

In reality, I’ve just been delaying the inevitable… our final Camino family dinner. Come morning, we’ll head our separate ways. I’m not sure what that means for me yet but I’ll be sure to post it when I figure it out.

A Flop of an Idea at Muxía

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I love that the Faro de Muxía almost looks translucent in this shot. As if it is fading into anonymity due to the popularity of the neighboring

Santuario de la Virgen de Barca, the Cadrís Stone,

and the A Ferida. (“The Wound” is a tribute to all the volunteers that showed up after the Prestige oil tanker disaster.)

I thought a sunrise hike up to Miradoiro do Corpiño would result in awesome panoramic shots of Muxía. I was disappointed.

It does provide a great viewpoint but the sun didn’t quite cooperate.

Dinner provided some color

as did this mural.

I also thought I’d enjoy a swim in Muxía’s clear refreshing water but I only waded in about waist deep. Again, the sun just didn’t want to cooperate. Nonetheless, I found Muxía to be peaceful and enjoyed the sleepy seaside village.

To the End of the World

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In Roman times, Finisterre was believed to be the end of the known world. It is a popular extension to the Camino de Santiago. Some walk, some ride the bus.. I did the latter.

I joined Oz and Scott for an early morning walk to the lighthouse on the rocky Coast of Death.

The fog rolled in but we still enjoyed the stunning colors of the sunrise.

We discovered we weren’t alone.

On the walk back, we noticed a cold pilgrim and art by Nove Noel.

I was excited to be so near the ocean. I find it calming and relaxing.

Especially, strolling the beaches, picking up shells. The water is wonderfully clear here.

In town, there is a charming mix of old and new, good seafood, and Batidor Pasteleria.