I’m finding a rhythm. I’m finding that I can appreciate the newness around me. The first few days of walking are rough. Getting lost. Adjusting to the heat. Dodging speeding cars and trucks. Yuck! I find that for a couple of days I woke up with a feeling of dis-ease. I’m not dreading the day, but I feel as though there are going to be more than my share of tough moments.

I’m finding a different mood. Almost a sense of expectancy. A sense of anticiption. A new curiosity. Nice!

I’m moving deeper into Portuguese culture and history. Moving away from Lisbon, I’ve entered the world of matadors and suckling pigs, the world of Knights Templars and medieval libraries. I love it.

Here are some photos of this new world, at least for me.

In Tomar

In Coimbra

I also pass scenes from current life which prompt questions. I wonder if the fishermen are catching anything?

I wonder who the elderly woman is visiting? and the elderly man? And of course, I wonder if this pilgrim is really Santa Claus during his off-season!