Santiago or Bust!

Yesterday was the easiest day, having only about 7 km to walk. It was an emotional day though, because halfway between Pedrouzo and Lavacolla Savanna and I scattered some of Miles’ ashes at one of the many shrines along the Camino. We had a good cry and played a Sinead O’Connor version of The Foggy Dew. Miles always liked Irish music, and it felt right  to honor  both his Anglosaxon and Spanish roots. 




When we arrived at the Hotel Ruta Jacobea, we were pretty exhausted from the day before so we took it easy and hung out playing cards and online Scrabble. The hotel was particularly fancy so we feasted on a delicious dinner and our last continental breakfast spread this morning.

The final 10-12 kms were victorious as we filed behind other exuberant pilgrims toward the main square and cathedral. There was hugging and music and shouts of emotion among the crowds. Many languages could be heard on the streets, restaurants, in the lines. We waited for the Pilgrim Mass only to be told there were too many people. So we went to get our coveted document, the Compostela, and had a final lunch before Savanna had to head off to the airport. I will have one more night here, but she needs to return to her busy life. 


We both had a bittersweet feeling of sadness that the pilgrimage  was over. Though it was only really 8 days of walking, it filled our hearts with wonder in a way that's hard to explain. We also hadn’t spent that much time alone together for many years. What a wonderful bonding experience it was for both of us!



Sadly, I’m leaving behind my pilgrim status and will now be only a common American tourist, a traveling status that embarrasses me. However there’s a lot left to see. I’ve managed to squeeze in a stroll around Santiago after Savanna left. My favorite place in any part of the world is always the market. I also got to visit the Pilgrimage Museum, which details not only the history of the Camino de Santiago, but also other pilgrimages throughout history and the world. And finally got to see the cathedral, attend the pilgrim’s Mass and watch the huge botafumeiro (incense dispenser) swing—a rare event.






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