DAY 40 To Santiago

  I had a strange feeling as I applied the Omniflex blister tape to my feet this morning.  I was doing this routine for the last time.  After today, we will not be wearing hiking shoes or the uniform of the peregrine.  No more backpacks all day.  Still, this has been our life the last forty days.

We are happy to finish and move on.  We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to be on this Camino.  We know not everyone has the health, inclination, or resources to walk the Camino.  We have met some peregrines that have walked the Camino multiple times.  For us, we are one and done.  So now we are off to Santiago to finish.

We walked quickly toward Santiago.  We passed the Pilgrim monument in Monte de Gozo.  It is our first glimpse of the city.  With the morning haze it was impossible to see the Cathedral.  We already obtained three stamps on our credential this morning, one more than was required on the last day.  Except for a pit stop at the Farmicia for ibuprofen, we would head straight for the Compostella office.

The Camino seems to take a long path through the city.  It probably doesn't, but with the anticipation we were experiencing it did seem like it.  To quote a friend from the past, Doug Orth, we had smiles on our faces like a 90 cent slice of watermelon.

We reached the historic district and raced even faster until we reached the Cathedral.  You pass through a tunnel and there are musicians playing as you enter the square.  We were pointed to the Compostella office and got in line.  It took about an hour before it was our turn to process.  The time in line didn't seem that long to me.  I was busy talking with new friends from London, Scottland, and Germany.  All sharing moments we had on the Camino.  They were younger than us and in much better physical condition than me, but commented about all of the aches and pains they had endured on the Way.  We agreed that everyone is challenged to some degree if you walk far enough. Vic's foot was hurting so she decided to wait by the steps by herself and thought it took forever.

In an effort to accelerate the processing, a volunteer started inspecting the credentials of pilgrims while we were still outside.  This helped some.  We were relieved we she said congratulations.  We went in and were presented with our Compotellas.  We are no longer peregrinos.  We are finished!

We dashed off to find a room near the Cathedral.  We are staying at a Pension one block away.  The Pension is named "la Casa de Peregrinos."  Appropriate enough for these few days we will spend here.

We decided to celebrate by eating American. I know, but we miss our food.  We asked the hotel for directions to Fosters Hollywood.  To Vic's pure delight they are located at a large shopping mall.  After a quick bus ride, we arrived,  Vic ordered ribs and salad.  I had nachos, bourbon Salisbury steak, and profiteroles (a pastry with a cream filling topped with whipped cream and chocolate).  No I don't think I lost any weight.

After lunch we went shopping for beach attire. We will leave for southern Spain on Friday to spend a week in the sun.

Vic said now that our Camino is over, she will miss getting to see a new place everyday.

Many people walk the Camino alone and I respect their decision.  For myself, I know my steps on the Camino were both easier and happier with Vic by my side.  Buen Camino to all!