One keeps circling back to the square to see those coming in...you think Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, we think it is the plaza in front of the cathedral. All one sees is ecstatic faces. Many people are limping, 60 is often young to do the Camino, for some it is their last wish, all is very emotional.
We slept in until 8:30 and as breakfast was included went down to a great breakfast before transferring hotels. We are now at San Martin Pinaro, recommended by George and Deborah, just off the plaza, facing one of the many doors to the cathedral. It is the old monastery, updated into a hotel. Very nice, we have 3 single beds in our room??? In any case we love it.
So once we transferred we went to the cathedral as Sharon had her heart set on going to the pilgrims mass at noon. We weren't disappointed, the cathedral was packed, Sharon could even follow the service as it is very close to the Lutheran liturgy. Granted it was in Spanish, our sermon (delivered by the archbishop) was based on the scripture of Paul, traveling, becoming family, working hard for faith, the importance of faith. Pretty good for minimal Spanish,eh?
The icing on the cake was of course the botofumiero. Yes, we lucked out, it was magnificent, right over our heads. Blair was worried lightning might strike, or the building might fall down, but no we were blessed, as we were through the whole Camino. Sharon kept thinking how excited Blair's grandmother would have been for us and pleased her that her grandson had experienced a Catholic mass, especially a splendourous one like this.
We went to the train station to pick up our train tickets, picked up a few souvenirs, then did a complete tour of the Cathedral and it's museum. Amazing history, so interesting.
On our way back from dinner we passed by the square and ran into Dodo (Anna Marie from Denmark), who we had spent a number of days and evenings with on the road, she had just arrived at 4 pm, will spend a day in Santiago then on to Finnestere. Many people fly out of Santiago and find themselves with a few extra days so opt for the walk to the coast. We would almost not mind sticking around a few days to see other travelling friends come in, but not really, we are ready for the next leg of our trip. On to Catragena tomorrow.
Thanks for posting this blog. I have enjoyed the pictures, comments and the personal reflections. Your accomplishment is truly grand. Look forward to hearing more stories in the future. We must get together after your return.
ReplyDelete