Hello, Santiago!

We awoke early to leave at first light again. My Russian friend and New York friend and I began the last 5k to Santiago. The excitement was palpable. Unfortunately we missed the part of Monte de Gozo that gave a beautiful view of the city of Santiago, but soon enough we were there. It was nice to have such a short walk but it happened so fast, it was a bit strange, in a way.

Like other larger cities along the way, we were in the newer part of the city for a while before the Santiago we all had in our minds. Two business men ran past us to catch a bus to work and it was a reminder of what we will be returning to. As we walked further into the old part of the city, we ran into pilgrims from earlier in our journeys which brought smiles to our faces. But we didn't stop to talk for long, as our grand arrival was moments away.

We saw the cathedral and went down the steps and under the arch to emerge into the cathedral square. As it was only 8:30 am, we practically had the place to ourselves. The cathedral entrance is under construction so it wasn't quite the view I had planned, but I had arrived. A few pictures, sighs of satisfaction and hugs were in order. Then the weird mix of feelings crept up. Happiness to be with friends who have come to mean so much, satisfaction at walking 815 km across a country, sadness that the journey is over, and so many more that are hard to express.

We went to the pilgrim office and were some of the first pilgrims of the day to get our compestela. We went to get breakfast and I was so excited to see my Romanian friend, who I didn't think I'd see again. After a long hug and a selfie, she was off to go to the airport.

At breakfast we all jumped on our phones to email and post our arrival. Given that it was 2:30 in the morning back home, the other American and I had to wait to have family and friends share in our excitement.

I found a private room with a bath (and a real towel, which is a wonderful treat) at the seminary. It is a basic room, but it is all mine and no snorers! Plus it includes breakfast. After a stroll around the city, we were hungry for lunch. The Russian asked a local for a lunch recommendation and he walked us across town to his favorite place, giving us a history lesson along the way. We got a free wine tasting at the restaurant and had a good meal. And then the other chocoholic and I made a stop for dessert. Delicious.

We ran into a friend we had dinner with the night before and joined him for a drink. He had chosen the perfect spot, as it was right on the Camino so we got to greet pilgrims we knew as they entered.

A group of us meet up a little later for a drink and dinner. We are all clinging to these last pilgrim moments. Many of us will walk to Finisterre on Saturday, but I will have to say goodbye to my Russian friend who must go home. So my journey continues a bit more, and for that I am grateful. (Although I am not excited about the extra weight, as I had to pick up my "emergency" backpack and supplies I had bought to get me through the first few days. The post office only holds it for a month, so I have a bit more to cart to the end of the world.)