To support the trip name, I am now in Portugal at Braga, a historical religious centre in the north of country not far from Porto. Unlike other hotels which say they are in the city centre tonight’s hotel is actually in the centre meaning I could enjoy an end of afternoon wander around some of the sights, mainly religious. It was a second religious city for the day after a wander around Santiago de Compostela. Apart from these it has been the least enjoyable day so far. I am avoiding toll roads in Spain, not for cost, but, without a toll tag I have bad experience from previous road trips both of payment hassles and risk of death! I should note that driving without due care and attention is normal in the parts of Spain I have visited so far. Too fast and too unaware. Even at 10mph in traffic in Vigo a car rear ended a car next to me as we slowed for traffic lights. So no toll roads. The difference between here and what is typical in France are a combination of geography and no proper alternatives. The towns come one after the other and every light seemed to be red. So very stop start and constant challenges from other motorists. No fun. In to the bargain, the towns are completely anonymous just one strip of apartment blocks after another hard against the roads. Fortunately I enjoyed Santiago and Braga. I have just finished dinner at a recommended restaurant which was excellent. You will not leave Restaurant Botafogo hungry and a standard glass of local Douro tinto was what we might call large at home. So enough whinging lets give you some photos. Starting in Santiago de Compostela and then a brief stop in Pontavedra before Braga.

For orientation there is an outline map is here.

The market in Pontevedra

Now that is what I call a footbridge

View from my hotel balcony to start Braga. No terrace today.