I have a favourite Porto street. It’s Rua das Flores just below Sao Bento station. It depicts Porto, with its variety of shops and cafes. My favourite antique bookshop is here where I can buy books in French and English. The owner is divinely Portuguese. I meet people here. Tourists and pilgrims and locals. It’s a great interchange.

I’m having breakfast at The Mercado Cafe which does a great omelette and toast. Mulling my day and reflecting on the last eight years of my life. In 2018 I had no idea what was on the horizon. My faith has grown and deepened through being tested. My courage has increased out of necessity. My discernment has been sharpened through wisdom. My ability to not judge because of ignorance, has improved and compassion has followed. My capacity to put in boundaries for protection, and to finally leave behind the rescuer archetype has been achieved. But not without blisters and stumbling. Old habits die hard.

I’m still work in progress, and am spending the winter resting and relaxing and reflecting. Ready to embrace a new year feeling fortified and calm to face all storms. I’ll catch up with you all then. Go well fellow pilgrims.