Day 39: Santiago de Compostrela

A rest day today; no walking except to sightsee and catch up with people.  Still chilly and rainy, but with an umbrella and the ability to duck into a shop or a cafe it seemed to hardly matter.

Karen and I went to the Convent and Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, as they are celebrating 800 years since that pilgrimage and were providing a special, once in a lifetime certificate.  And it was there that I had arranged to meet Nadina!  On our way we bumped into Lynn and Keith, who were just coming into Santiago.  How serendipitous to find them on the last day, as I had found them on day -2 over 40 days ago.  And on my way to see Nadina, from Day 2!  There’s something very special about finding people you’ve met and walked with in the beginning at the very end.

Santiago is a lovely city with many sights to see, but it is centered around the Cathedral, where St. James’ remains were laid to rest after being found in a field by a shepherd, drawn there by a bright light. The Cathedral interior was carved between 1166 and 1188, and the exterior facade was added in 1750.  The pilgrim’s mass, which takes place twice daily has a tradition that is not always undertaken — the swinging of the giant incense burner — Botafumeiro.  Originally thought to be designed to fumigate the possibly disease ridden pilgrims, it is a ritual that takes 6 attendants to perform.  A large group of us are meeting for the 7:30 mass tonight.

While there are many things to see here, Santiago has become very commercialized, and the small streets are choc-a-block with souvenir shops mostly selling the same items, most of which aren’t linked to the journey of the Camino, but are about the Santiago destination.  So it was easy to save my money!

I leave tomorrow for London and an afternoon and evening with old friend Lucy, before flying home on Sunday.  I am so grateful for this experience, and for the many supportive and thoughtful comments many have made to this travelog/blog.  It was wonderful to hear from many of you, and to know that while I was on this solo journey you never walk alone on the Camino, in body or in spirit.

Gracias mis amigos.

arriving at the Pilgrim office yesterday

Waiting at the Pilgrim office yesterday

My Compostrela certificate

Keith and Lynn arriving today

Nadina and I outside the Cathedral

Exterior of the side entrance to Cathedral

Interior of Cathedral

Cathedral interior; Botafumiero on left