Arrival in Santiago de Compostela

Carla Santiago
Entering Santiago with Carla as Karen and Pam drink wine and wait

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Long awaited destination

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Camino buddies extraordinaire! We did it Pam!
Pam and I started our pilgrimage on September 3, 2016 in St. Jean Pied de Port, France. Our packs weighed 15-18 pounds and contained everything we needed for our 35 day walk from southern France to the capital of the Galicia region, Santiago de Compostela, in northwestern Spain.  We strolled, struggled, and laughed our way through beautiful countryside and busy cities via the 1,000+ year old pilgrimage route of Camino de Santiago.  I’ve been home for eight months and I think about our journey every day.

Before our arrival in Santiago I was emotional because I had conflicting feelings.  I knew it was a huge accomplishment but at the same time I was aware of how sad I would be knowing our wonderful journey was over.  On October 7, 2016 our amazing walk was complete.

Santiago is a beautiful city.  We were there for three nights so we had time to celebrate with friends as they entered the square in front of the cathedral, share festive meals in tapas bars and outdoor cafes, and buy a couple of new pieces of clothing to supplement our pilgrim attire.

We attended the pilgrim’s mass and were able to see the dramatic swinging of the huge incense burner, the botafumeiro.  Try to imagine a huge pipe organ playing as sweet-smelling incense fills the cathedral.  This moving experience was the true culmination of our pilgrimage.

A rooftop tour of the cathedral offered amazing views of the city and new friends to help Pam with the vertigo she experienced. I loved this tour but I’m not sure my walking buddy would agree.  I have to thank Pam for supporting and putting up with me and for her contribution of many lovely photos for our blog.  I miss you PamAla!

This Camino thing could become an addiction.