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Day off in Santiago

‘Twas lovely

Slept in til 7, had a nice coffee, and spent some time in the square, watching pilgrims come in. Watched some reunions and some tears shed, and some horseback pilgrims were there too. That was fun

There’s a nice cathedral museum. No pics allowed, so I stole some off the interwebs.

Was lucky enough to catch organ practice at a church

After lunch with a fellow pilgrim, I took a walking tour like usual for Europe. It was really good.

I’m ready to keep going tomorrow. Should be an easy day, but I’ll be in rain all day.

Lots of the grand old buildings are now museums and hotels
At 730 am, the scene here is really different
Technically….your camino isn’t over until you step over this last, official shell. I went ahead and did this just to be sure
Morning coffee today
The courtyard of the first university in the city
Founded in the 1400’s
The southern Plaza of the cathedral
The holy door. Technically…if you walk through this door, and confess, and take communion, and do it all on a special day, your sins are definitely forgiven
This is the original fountain that filthy pilgrims washed themselves in before being allowed into the fancy new cathedral

Miles: technically zero, but about 5 because I walked around a lot

Day 29 Santiago de Compostela

Well, I’m here.

Kinda bittersweet moment for me. I’ve thought about doing this trip for so many years, and now this part of it is over.

It rained more on me today than all the other days all put together. I guess I got super lucky before lol. But things cleared up and we all got to walk into the cathedral square in the sunshine. Very nice.

I’ll have more to say tomorrow

Edit: I just found out that my name was read out at a mass as one of the pilgrims who received their compostela today. How cool is that??

The day was actually quite warm
On the outskirts of the city
There it is
Almost there
And here I am. I made it.
One for my mom, and one for all our moms
The pipe organ player was really good. Mass was lovely

Miles 15

Day 28 ending in O Pedrouzo

Had a real pleasant day walking slowly and enjoying these last hours before Santiago.

In Santiago I’ll take a day off before continuing to Finisterre and Muxia. Should have it all wrapped up by the 8th. Then just kill some time in Madrid until I fly home.

This backpack has been perfect
A cat, outstanding in her field
The plants here are so similar to home, we must be in the same climate zone

And now, some cow-related content I know you’ve been waiting for…

Miles 14

Day 27 ending in Arzua

My backpack seemed very heavy today. It was all in my mind, of course. As soon as I had a couple of cappuccinos it was fine lol.

I saw this woman today over and over again on the trail. She was always on a call. I mean, she talked on the phone for at least 5 hours. I know we have to let people enjoy themselves in their own way, but damn.

Anyway, nice little day today. I don’t want the experience to end.

These lilies here are so healthy and big
My allergies seem better. This is why; the hay is already being cut in Galicia.
Lunch. It’s an empanada, baked instead of fried. It was a little dry, still pretty good
I love this pilgrim logo. It’s everywhere