This is a great town for a rest day. Lots of things to see. Music. Active streets. Wonderful weather. Good timing for a breather.
Medical update
Yesterday, I was pretty sure I needed major surgery. Maybe gallbladder removal or an appendectomy. Abbey said “take some laxatives.” While I was hurt that she questioned my diagnosis, her professional training paid off. I’m feeling much better. I’m ready to walk again tomorrow.
Farmacia
For those of you that haven’t spent much time in Europe, the pharmacies are quite different from the US. There are no stores like CVS or Walgreens. They are stand-alone pharmacies, all marked with a big green cross out front. They mostly only sell medical-related items, and the pharmacists are very helpful. In most European countries, pharmacists can help with basic health issues, and doctors are needed for more serious conditions and controlled drugs.
Universidade de Coimbra
I love universities, so I walked to the top of the hill to visit the Universidade de Coimbra. (Warning if you visit, Coimbra… everything is uphill.)
It’s just like UM, UH and PSU, except it’s 730 years old, on top of a mountain, has a royal palace and also one of the world’s great baroque libraries. (Sorry, no photos allowed in the library.)
The Old and New Coimbra Cathedrals
The old cathedral dates back to 1139. The new one to 1640. Funny what “new” means in Europe.
Street Music
Students at some Portuguese universities wear uniforms. The uniforms at the University of Porto were the motivation for the Hogwarts outfits.
Today I group of students in their uniforms moved around the city playing music and dancing. I bumped into them twice.. (They played several songs, but I seemed to have captured the same one twice.)
Tomorrow, I’m back on the road with a 14-15 mile walk. I’ll be in Porto on Sunday, and my friends will join me there for the second half of the Camino. I’m looking forward to it.
Bill on the Camino 
I’m surprised Abbey didn’t recommend the far more obvious lobotomy diagnosis. Of course that would probably be harder to get at a Portuguese pharmacy than at CVS. Still, happy to hear you are feeling better.Today’s photos are amazing. One would have to think those students study harder in such august surroundings than the pampered students on our cushy campuses do.
Ok, I’m so happy that I’m the one who gets to say this. Bill, we all knew you were full of shit, including Abbey 🙂 Glad it all worked out in the end….
I know there are lots of cows on your journey but I’m surprised you don’t see more dogs roaming around. Or are you just avoiding the dogs?
You are an expert on sh$t, so I should have gone to you.
Dogs? Yes, oh my. Tons of them. Many not fenced or on leashes. I had one little guy follow me for like 10 minutes. I tried get him to go back but he wouldn’t. Looked like a stray. The woman I walked with bought walking sticks to defend herself from dogs. She had a bad incident earlier.
What I remember about Coimbra back in 1978, I think, when Bruce and I were there as penniless students, were the bars where you could get half a roasted chicken, fried potatoes and a beer for a very reasonable price. If you come across any of these places, give ‘em a try.
There are so many great restaurants. I walked down the street last night and the smells were amazing. Unfortunately with my stomach, I’m avoiding the late dinners for a bit. So I can’t enjoy them here. Lots of good ones in Porto too. You’re lucky you got to travel when you were young. That’s a blessing.
Abby for the WIN. Glad you are feeling better. I’m curious how Portugal is comparing to Spain? I know you said this is the second most common way to travel the Camino, are you running into a lot of other Pilgrims or do you find yourself mainly on your own when you reach your resting town for the evening?
I find it easier to learn a little Spanish than Portuguese. For example, I don’t know how to pronounce the name of the city I’m in. So that alone makes me prefer Spain. As for Pilgrims, I see very few but it’s picking up. Lots more in Porto, then even more when I reach the Spanish border. It will be easier to compare then.
I am just amazed at how much Bob and Mike know you! The music was interesting. They kind of reminded me of the Beatles when they invaded the US in the 1960’s. I don’t have to remind you…. everything in Porto is up hill too.
Have a great day tomorrow!
so glad you’re feeling better! You can hear it in your voice.
I’m appreciative of the answer to the Q about the differences between Spain and Portugal. Any more observations you’d like to share?
Beautiful pictures. I love cathedrals.
I tried to add more info on the differences in next post. I also love the cathedrals. Not just the beauty but I imagine the thousands/millions that have sat there with deep problems and needs praying for a miracle. It makes it more personal for me.
So love Coimbra!