Well, folks, I am officially done with the Camino! Woohoo!!! On the walk today, I felt sentimental and reminisced the walks of weeks past from the start to the end - the good and the bad, the people I met, the animals I saw, the meals I had, the signs, the yellow arrows, the albergues, the villages, the cities, the bridges, the rivers, the forests, the fruit trees, the flowers, the cow dungs, the flies, the birds, the bees, the green meadows, the (climb up the) hills, the (descent down the) valleys, the farmlands, the crops, the dusts, the dark mornings, the cold, the hot sun, the rains, the fog, the sunrises, the sunsets, the churches, the crosses, and the roads (in different terrains).... I'm still in a state of dazed disbelief at the amazing adventure that I just had. What a journey it's been.
The arrival into Santiago was a little frantic for me ~ I was sad and disappointed that I missed the 12 pm Mass (even though I arrived at the Cathedral at 11:15 am) because they wouldn't allow my backpack in the church. So, I had to find my way to the Pilgrims' Office to get my stamp and Compostela and get information about dropping off my backpack. There was a long line and by the time I was served, I had missed Mass. What a letdown. Oh well, at least I was able to attend the 7:30 pm Mass later at the Cathedral.
I'm sore from the walk; but, it's not over for me yet as I still have a few days of walking left to Finisterre. However, this part of the Camino to Santiago, it's finished. So, here are photos of today. I plan to stay a day (or maybe two) to rest and sight-see in Santiago; I really need the rest. Until the next post, adios my friends. Pax and agape.
Above right: Church of Santa Lucia de San Paio in Lavacollo
Above: Church of Santa Lucia de San Paio in Lavacollo
Above: My final breakfast on the Camino at Lavacolla ~ tea, fresh orange juice, and toasts for 4.70 euros
Above: Entering San Marcos
Above: A monument, erected in 1993, in San Marcos/Monte do Gozo
Above: Ermita San Marcos de Monte do Gozo
Above: Arriving in Santiago de Compostela (finally!) at 11 am
Above: Inside the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela ~ I was dumbfounded when I arrived (unfortunately, I couldn't stay for the noon Mass because of my backpack, so I had to find the Pilgrims' Office first and a concierge that could hold it for me)
Above: The long line of pilgrims waiting outside the Pilgrims' Office in Santiago de Compostela
Above left: I'm done! ;-)
Above left: Waiting for my turn to get the Compostela and the final stamp on my credentials; Above right: Surprised and glad to see Lucas and Lucas (both from Poland) again in Santiago
Above right: I treated myself to a lunch buffet (9 euros) after receiving my Compostela
Above right: Albergue Seminario Menor Assumption in Santiago
Above: A single room at the albergue cost just 15 euros ~ it was SO nice to have some peace and quiet
Above right: My compostela (free)
Above left: This additional certificate cost 3 euros ~ it certified that I walked from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago (with the start and end dates, and the distance covered)
Above right: Church of St. Francis
Above: Inside the Church of St. Francis ~ to commemorate St. Francis of Assisi's 800th year anniversary of his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, all pilgrims this year can get an additional compostela from this church (for free)
Above left: St. Francis compostela
Above: South entrance of the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela
Above left: St. James, the minor; Above right: Entry to a narrow walkway behind the main altar of the Cathedral to "embrace the apostle"
Above right: The tomb that holds the remains of Apostle St. James inside the Cathedral
Above left: I attended the 7:30 pm Pilgrims' Mass at the Cathedral
Above: My night cap (Bailey's hot chocolate) at Cafe Casino (since 1873) in Santiago
Above: I like the classy interior in Cafe Casino (it reminded me of Cafe Iruna in Pamplona)
Next post: Santiago de Compostela (July 28 & 29, 2014)
Previous post: Day 43 - Melide to Pedrouzo O Pino (July 26, 2014)
5 comments:
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! You deserve a good rest.
It was nice to see that you got at least a couple pictures with yourself in them (more proof that you were there :->) and of the documents.
Did you get a picture with the statue of St. James in the front? I thought I remember hearing something about that being part of the tradition.
It looks like you could see the thurible in the distance in the Cathedral pictures. From what I have heard, it is supposed to be pretty impressive.
I hope that you get to really enjoy your time there.
-Tom E.
Hi Tom! Thanks for the comments and the congrats. I didn't get a picture with the statue of St. James (I just touched its foot). Yeah, it's hard to miss the thurible in the cathedral. They used it at the 12 pm Mass yesterday (which I missed, thus I was bummed). The church don't always use the thurible at Masses. Oh well, it is what it is. It's so nice to sleep in today and have the room all to myself. Rest is so important! Take care!
Sandra, I've read many a blog and "travel log" over the years and here's what I've noticed:
1. You are religious in heart, mind and soul
2. You say what's on your mind...warts and all
3. Living life in God's light is your focus.
4. You have a great sense of humor
Saludos,
Arn
Good eye, Arn! God is LOVE. There's no better way to reciprocate than to love Him back with all my heart, mind, and soul. Thanks much for your comment! Be happy and God bless!
Thinking about my 2014 Camino de Santiago (St Jean to Fisterre) today and did an internet search for 2014 blogs and came across yours. I immediately noticed that I was only about a week ahead of you and stayed in some of the same albergues you did. Brought back some wonderful memories of walking the Camino. You definitely took more, and better photos than I did. Anyway, thanks for the memories. Ultreia and Buen Camino.
Mark
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