Walking the Camino de Santiago

Here I go again……

Day One- Lisbon to Oriente

August 15- Up bright and early and ready to start the day. Today I’ll walk just a short 10 miles to Oriente, primarily along the waters edge. This is a short day due to the distance between accommodations. It was 10 miles or 25, and given it’s my first day in the trail, I’m not ready to overdo it yet. 😉

I started out by the Lisbon Cathedral this morning as that is where the trail begins. The line to enter the church was paused for the service of the Assumption of Mary, which is celebrated every year on Aug 15. What is the assumption of May you ask? According to the catholic church, the Immaculate Mother of God, the Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. This day is to celebrate her assumption into heaven.

First directional arrow. Unlike Spain, the Way is not marked by a lot of signs or shells. You have to look closely to find the arrows.
Here I go! Day one!
Occasionally you’ll see the signs to Fatima and the Camino sprayed on like this. This is the most formal sign I’ve seen and they are sparse throughout the paths.
Much of the terrain are these cobblestone sidewalks and streets. That makes for a lot of pronating feet. Not the best for a long journey.

A lot of the walk today took me through industrial areas, as walking out of Lisbon takes you past the airport, technology business parks, and railroad stations. My stop for today, Oriente, is the location of the University. So it’s a bustling city of many.

Unlike the Camino Frances, this journey starts in cities and doesn’t go to a more rural path until the middle of the journey. I was walking along the Tagus River a good part of the day and I do have to say being by a body of water is so nice.

Fado is a very famous and common type of music/performance in Portugal. This door, with all of its comments written on it, are pretty common to see outside of a Fado club. I hope to enjoy some of this along my journey and experience it for myself.
Ireja Peroqial de Sao Bartolomeu do Beato. Welcoming Camino pilgrims with their sign. I stepped in for a moment and watched the service in progress. Of course it was in Portuguese, but my guess is that it had something to do with Assumption Day.

The weather was nice today. About 83 degrees and with a nice breeze. I tried to walk on the shady side of the street as much as possible. Also, I’m relying on my Camino apps to confirm I’m on the right track.

About 3/4 way to my destination for the day and I see the first official sign I’ve seen. As you can see the Camino de Santiago runs along the same trail as the Camino Fatima.
I had forgotten how terrible a new water bladder tastes (like plastic) until you get through a few uses. Eeesh!!
Finally I reach Oriente. My hotel is on Avenida do Indico, so of course there is this random crow statue on top of the sign. 😉

My thoughts: It is nice to have the first day under my belt. It does feel a bit strange (and slightly lonely) to see no other fellow pilgrims. I had a few people wish me Bom Camino as they saw I was walking the Camino by my pack and shell. It’s nice to be moving forward on this trail and I’m looking forward to continuing on this journey and seeing what unfolds. I can’t help but yet again feel so incredibly fortunate and blessed to be able to be here and walk this journey. It does not go unnoticed on me. I feel many passed loved ones with me today. ❤️ I wish they were here to experience this with me in person, but I know they are here with me in spirit.

Tomorrow I head to the town of Alverca do Ribatejo bright and early!!

WalktheWay2025

7 responses to “Day One- Lisbon to Oriente”

  1. Susie Holland Avatar
    Susie Holland

    Wow! What a day. It would be missing those yellow signs constantly. The water bladder comment was funny, and so true!
    I know your loved ONE ❤️ is with you all the way on this journey. She is so proud of you.

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  2. Gina Cronin Avatar
    Gina Cronin

    I love that she is with you. Watching over you. Awesome.

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  3. Thursday Roberts Avatar
    Thursday Roberts

    I’m going to be hoping you don’t get lost!

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    You are so smart to start with the shorter option. Looks like a beautiful trek!

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. kanixon5491230cd9 Avatar
    kanixon5491230cd9

    Didn’t know you were making another journey. Good for you!! I am so impressed and hope you have a fabulous time. Karen

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. Candyce Castillo Avatar
    Candyce Castillo

    Wow! That’s a lot to take in for the first day! Love that the crow is there at the first stop! Looks beautiful already! Be safe!

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  7. Allison Avatar
    Allison

    What a great first day Charles! Walking aside a body of water would be very soothing I’d imagine. You are a well seasoned walker now and it shows! The crow at your destination is the perfect sign to start this journey. Looking forward to following along!

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