Well we explored a bit of Tomar and started to get an idea of why it is most revered. First it must be noted that Portugal has a very large catholic population dedicated to the church and its loyal protectors. These professional soldiers, known as the Knights Templars were made up of an elite fighting force (around 10%) with their support staff, admin team etc. making up the other 90%.
The Knights Templars were most prominent in Spain and Portugal and the history of their genuine exploits worldwide are known far and wide. One of their more prominent roles was to look after the safety and wellbeing of pilgrims on long pilgrimages. We walked through the Convento de Cristo where they were holding an annual orange festival, but I’m unsure of its tradition, except to say this a festival town, so they may not need a reason.
Our friends had a car so we travelled to an ancient castle on an island which was closed and another on the way back which was being visited by Portuguese scouts, not really open to us but it did not stop us imagining ourselves back in those old days of battle with the simplest of weapons.
Back home we started out on the camino track, giving our friends a small taste with a 4 km round trip.
As you can see we are doing this walk a lot differently because of my issues, taking the journey as it comes to us. With no strict timetable we are using this time to be fully with our friends who will take us tomorrow through rough terrain with its lodgings too far apart, and drop us at a point where lodging distances are more accessible. It has been a relaxing and special time and we will cherish it.
