LIVE from the Camino Walking the Dream

[Kirkie]

Nov 5 O Pedrouzo – Monte de Gozo – Santiago de Compostela

Today is the last day, and since we woke up not feeling 100% again, we decided to strategize. We were advised to start walking at a point that’s not too far from SDC to complete our Camino.

Since it was still rainy and cold, we chose to start walking from Hotel Santiago Apostol on Costa de San Marcos, and hopefully, we don’t get exposed to the cold and rain for too long. The walk started in drizzly weather, but we didn’t mind since it was the last one.

At Monte de Gozo we considered climbing up the hill to get our first glimpse of the spires of the Santiago cathedral but the grass was too wet for our tired legs.

Even though it was a short walk we can still feel the collective exhaustion of the previous weeks and pretty soon it felt like we’ve been walking for a few hours although it must have been only about an hour.

Santiago is a huge and sprawling city but we just followed the signs and Google Maps into the city. If I didn’t know that Santiago was the end of the Camino, I wouldn’t think the city looked anything special.

But as we walked down the streets leading to the cathedral, the feeling of anticipation became stronger.

Our first glimpse of the spires of the Cathedral from street level drew mixed emotions for me, both happiness and sadness that our Camino is about to end.

Just before entering the cathedral square a group of pilgrims who had arrive earlier clapped and cheered us on. That was a great gesture.

The bagpiper playing as we entered the tunnel completed the experience for me.

As soon we entered the square the rain stopped suddenly, and the sun came out brightly as if welcoming us. That was a surreal experience in a very good way and an unforgettable ending to our Camino.

We soon saw and met other peregrinos (some of whom we know) entering the Square and celebrating as well.

We basked in the feeling of being finally in the Square after weeks of walking. Although there was sunshine it started raining again.

We saw Michael (Germany) who was apparently waiting for friends (he had come in a day earlier) and Arlene (who had also come in a day earlier). Seeing friends waiting for us was a great welcome.

We were just on time for Fr. Manny’s mass (1030) so we made our way to the pilgrim’s office.

There were only about 20 peregrinos there but Fr. Manny’s mass (in English) was inspiring, thought-provoking, and put into context a lot of the experiences we had during our Camino. He also talked about transitioning to post-camino life which was really helpful for me.

After mass, we got our compostelas and distance certificates. My full name had no translation Latin but just seeing and holding the certificate I think gave me a feeling of completion.

I dreamed of walking the Camino since I was a student back in the 1980s. Today that dream finally came true.

My takeaway for today is: On the Camino dreams can become reality.

Thanks for following our journey. Buen Camino and God bless!
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Congrats! You did your level best, and got there. Maybe the words of this song will accompany you today...i learned it many long years ago.

PAG-AALAY NG PUSO.​

I wish you a safe trip home.

 

[Bala]

Congratulations! How lovely to be greeted by sunshine and friends in the plaza. All the best to you both wherever your life journey leads you next.

 

[senora1]

Congratulations and thanks for sharing your beautiful journey

 

[SantiagoCruzB]

Congrats! You did your level best, and got there. Maybe the words of this song will accompany you today...i learned it many long years ago.

PAG-AALAY NG PUSO.​

I wish you a safe trip home.

Thanks very much Kirkie for your kind words and for sharing that beautiful song. Thanks also for your support and encouragement. Buen Camino and God bless!

 

[SantiagoCruzB]

Congratulations! How lovely to be greeted by sunshine and friends in the plaza. All the best to you both wherever your life journey leads you next.

Thanks for your kind words Baia. Indeed, friends welcoming us and sunshine in the plaza was the best ending to our Camino. We couldn't have asked for more. Thanks also for your support and encouragement. Buen Camino and God bless!

 

[SantiagoCruzB]

Congratulations and thanks for sharing your beautiful journey

Thanks, Senora1 for your kind words, support, and encouragement. They helped sustain us through challenging times. Buen Camino and God bless!

 

[SantiagoCruzB]

I am sorry I didn't get to meet you while you were in town, but it seems you made the most of your stay here in the Center of the Universe! Buen Camino!

Hi Rebekah,
Just an update. I gave the copy of your book which I had taken to Moratinos for you to autograph to Jean Kerr (Australia). We met Jean for the first time at the monastery in Samos. We had dinner with her at the Parador after we finished our Camino last Sunday (Nov 5). Just got a message from her saying she is enjoying it. God bless!
Bani