We made it!
Today was our final walk that would lead us to our destination of Santiago. But why Santiago? Tradition holds that the relics of St. James the Apostle are in the cathedral of Santiago, and so a pilgrimage route began in medieval times.
We left our final albergue, and the route was very similar to what we had experienced before…many little towns and the countryside to walk through.
However, the anticipation was growing as the signpost mileage markers kept going downward. After all, we were headed towards 0,0 km! It was pretty cool to reach the 10km point.
Just on the edge of Santiago, there is a pilgrim statue that points the way to the cathedral and the apostle. It’s hard to make out but you can actually see the cathedral in the distance.
It was then a lot of city walking…
…until we arrived at the cathedral plaza. There were lots of cheers, hugs and smiles.
It was fun to see fellow pilgrims that we had met along the way including this nice couple from Washington, DC.
After taking a break, we headed to the Pilgrim Office where we received our “Compostela” - the official document from the Cathedral testifying that we had completed the pilgrimage.
Our friend Sarah had not been feeling well a few days earlier, but she was able to catch up with us later in the evening, so we accompanied her (and her rubber chicken) to the cathedral.
We are spending a few days in Santiago at a Marist residence. The Marists are another religious order (very similar to the Marianists.) Michelle is a Lay Marist and made the arrangements. The hospitality they are showing us has been wonderful.
Many have said they will miss these updates. Don’t worry, there are more to come. I’m not home yet :)
Buen Camino!
Wonderful entry. Thanks for being there to welcome Sarah who was so determined to join you all there; don't know how she managed the 33 miles. The power of Camino-friendships.
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