My 1st training with an experienced hiking buddy!

I am walking the Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela and I feel that I have to walk alone, not to prove anything, but simply TO BE.... This journey has lived inside me for years! Always 'later', always 'someday' as I was 24/7 busy with the abandoned puppies for 10 years. Until the moment came last year when 'someday' quietly turned into SOON.... May 16th, 2026!!!!
What will I receive and be able to give during this pilgrimage? I expect calmness in my mind, space in my heart and the simplicity of putting one foot in front of the other each day!!!!

BUT .... also I've chosen to connect this Camino to something very close to my heart.... raising funds for the voiceless puppies from the Canil Municipal Portimão , who desperately are in need of shading places on the playground and a fixed roof for the outdoor pen!!!

PT50 0018 0003 3875 9718 0209 0
Marie Antoinette Monique Gieling

I will write fun and small daily updates and tell you honestly about what the Camino brings up!
The beautiful days, the difficult ones, blisters (very likely) insights (hopefully) and everything in between.

This is my Camino! Step by step (in total ca. 280 km) that you can sponsor with any amount whatsoever.... not for me, but because you are also an animal lover and want the puppies to have an optimal stay, while they are waiting for their loving forever home!
With open eyes, an open heart and good courage..... and maybe the occasional mild curse on a steep hill.....
BUEN CAMINO/BOM CAMINHO