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Stage 3 blown out of the water.

Keep up the pace and continue to update your progress on your iDonate page. Continue to share with your online community and give them the opportunity to support you in your journey.

Remember you can always contact [email protected] and we will be happy to help you.

Galway Rape Crisis Centre’s Services

 Confidential crisis counselling and long term counselling services  Advice and support for family and friends of survivors  Helpline 10am to 1pm Mon – Fri 1800 355 355  Adolescent Clinic  Legal Information Clinic  Accompaniment to Garda station and court  Psychological support at the SATU (Sexual Assault Treatment Unit) in the immediate aftermath of a rape/sexual assault.  Education and Awareness programmes  Awareness Campaigns  Advocacy

All of these services are here with the help of support from people like you., you should feel proud.

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Your Mindfulness Journey Stage 4 Mindfulness Podcast click here to access Camino of the Body & Mind Mindfulness Hub.

Your Physical Journey

STAGE FOUR: TO DE REIS (22km) On the Camino you’ll always find yourself departing Pontevedra in the early morning, when narrow streets that were thronged the night before are now dark, deserted and peaceful. Cross the impressive O Burgo Bridge over the river Lerez, where pilgrim’s shells are carved on the pillars and arches. Next, you follow the route out of Pontevdra and upwards to more woodlands.

After passing old chapels and the beautiful Santa Maria de Alba church and parsonage, we come to more secluded paths and vineyards. A small stone bridge over a stream leads to the municipality of Barro and then the route continues to the village of San Mamede da Portela with it imposing church. A nice place to catch your breath for a few minutes.

After crossing the bridge over the Areal River, the route presses on until you come across three interesting stone crosses lining the way. One boasts a carving of St. James the Pilgrim looking north, towards Compostela, on its shaft. The Camino meanders on along dirt trails through forests of eucalyptus and pine trees, with a new railway line a constant presence.

The route now alternates between short sections of backroads, trails and paved

2 paths before entering the parish of Briallos. After passing the Church of Santa María, the route crosses the bridge over the Umia and enters the outskirts of Caldas de Reis. Walk along Calle de Real and cross another bridge over the Bermaña river, this one medieval and very quaint. San Roque Chapel, at the end of the street of the same name marks the end of this stage.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Caldas de Reis

Built on the confluence of the Umia and Bermaña river, Caldas de Reis is mentioned (as Aqua Celenae) in the Antonine Itinerary, a 3rd-century document recording the routes of the Roman Empire.

Today, Caldas de Reis is a nice town to relax in after a long stage of walking. Pilgrims love to dip their tired feet in the thermal fonts, stroll through the quiet streets as far as the ancient bridge over the Bermaña river or explore the oak- shaded river walkway beneath the town.

Some ‘Must Try’ dishes in

3 Galician Cheeses There are three types of regional cured cheeses that you have to sample if you go to Galicia. Each is a traditional cow’s cheese. Tetilla Cheese. This is a soft cheese with a creamy texture, produced around the tows of Arzúa, Melide and Curtis (French Camino) Queen San Simón da Costa. Similar in shape to Tetilla cheese, but smoked in birch, this yellow and very tasty cheese is produced in the Terra Cha region of Lugo Province (Camino Primativo). Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese (French Camino). This is the most creamy and smelly of the three cheese. It is round and flat in shape and made from raw and pasteurised milk. If you buy a block, put it on a plate and don’t be scared when you open the fridge and see

that it has expanded. It’s a cheese with a life of its own!

The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location. Zorza (marinated pork)

Zorza is a delicious dish of marinated and diced pork chunks (though it can very in style depending on what part of the province you find yourself). The pork is fried and mixed with such ingredients as garlic, oregano, parsley, or paprika. It is also normally served with french fries. A really authentic version can be found at Raxaría in A Coruña (English Camino).

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