santiago de compostela

Camino de Santiago: Day 37 -- Arrival!

Somehow, I didn't get a ton of photos of our walk into Santiago and the two days we spent there.  In a way, I'm glad.  The last day of the Camino was one totally spent in the moment--excited and partially astonished to have made it and sad that the end is approaching as we knock of one kilometer after the next.  We stopped at every cafe--took our time. We people watched. We enjoyed the last of the Camino sunrises and scenery.  I limped into Santiago so so grateful my feet carried me this last day without something popping loose like a wonky spring in a clock.

The cathedral was under construction inside and out, but it didn't matter.  The perfect photo backdrop didn't matter.  What felt good was to arrive with friends and to watch other pilgrims arrive throughout the weekend.  It was a lovely time sightseeing like a tourist, having meals with friends from the way and waving hi to somewhat recognizable faces.  Santiago is a beautiful city for arrivals.

We also visited the Pilgrimage Museum behind the cathedral with gave me a frame of reference for an accomplishment I still don't quite comprehend. 

Thank you for your visit.

Thank you for your visit.

Last Galician early morning.  We'll be sleeping in from here on out.

Last Galician early morning.  We'll be sleeping in from here on out.

To prolong the day we stopped at every cafe. This is the first I saw with a gift shop though!

To prolong the day we stopped at every cafe. This is the first I saw with a gift shop though!

Winding our way into Santiago.

Winding our way into Santiago.

One view of the massive cathedral

One view of the massive cathedral

The cathedral interior with Botofumeria.

The cathedral interior with Botofumeria.