Pedrouzo to Santiago: October 5, 2014: Day 37
We began the day thinking we would walk to about 4 kilometers put of Santiago. However the day was beautiful and the path easy to walk. We arrived to the outskirts of town by 1:00 pm. The whole group had stayed together today. We looked carefully at our maps and decided to walk into the city and stay at a Monestary. It was a long walk through the suburbs but we were all filled with anticipation. We all shared a mixture of feeling of excitement and sadness. Walking had become our way. Sleeping with a room full of strangers had been our daily practice and now the end was in site. We had all dreamed of this trip for a long time. We had been now walking for more than a month. The end was near or was it the beginning?
At last we reached the sign "Santiago de Compostella". The feeling that came was pure joy. A dream accomplished, a pilgrimage nearly complete. With the help of a local person we found the Monestary now an albergay. It is huge. For the 1st time in 6 weeks we could get an individual room with a sink that looks out onto the grounds. There are 3 windows in my room. Tonight there will be no snoring. :)
After getting settled Hubert and I walked into the old city to find food. Angie wanted to wash her clothes, nap and rest her feet. We lost Myles and Don in the vastness of the Monrstary.
We found a place to eat with a weak wifi that was not very productive. Then we went to Mass. A first for Hubert in the past year. After Mass we went in search of the rest of our group but found no one so we returned to the old city so that Hubert the Irishman could check out the pubs. We had fun drinking a beer in a couple of bars. It was fun to have an Irish night of celebration. There is so much to be grateful for and there are so many pilgrims to share this joy with.
Tomorrow we will go to the Pilgrim's mass and get our Compostela. Such joy awaits.
Lesson Learned: Dreams really do come true.
Though I've been experiencing this journey of yours vicariously, I, none the less, have been anticipating this day. The day where your journey reaches your destination city, not that your journey is over/done.... Having the end of your trip so close must be bitter sweet.... As you've mentioned, having the amenities that you're so used to at your disposal along with the familiar faces of friends and family undoubtedly brings a smile to your face, but leaving behind the beauty and the new experiences and new friends will be hard to leave behind. If it helps, we MISS you and are anxious for your to share your stories and insights.... Enjoy the satisfaction that surely comes with completing a journey such as this as well as all Santiago has to offer. See you soon!
ReplyDeleteKelly