AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY - 6TH AND FINAL STAGE - FROM PADRÓN TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA - END OF THE JOURNEY

Not by mistake but intentionally my choice of the photo to head this post is not of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela but of the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos, considered to be the oldest hotel in the world and one of the most luxurious. Originally it was a Royal Hospital that dates back to 1499. It provided accomodation for the numerous pilgrims making their way to Santiago. It can be said that is a mixture of history, art and tradition.

I had 24.0 km to cover - 15 miles - on that day and my camera asked me to have rest. I accepted the request. The landscape was not particularly attractive, a few façades excluded. I was anxious to get to Santiago as soon as possible, though not concerned about reaching it by noon, the time for the daily mass for walkers/pilgrims.

With 4.8 km to go - 3.0 miles -  I came out of some woodland turned a corner and there was Santiago, it was a wonderful moment and one I shall not forget in a hurry.

In a few days, I was conformed to the everyday activities: wake up early, walk all day long, move through villages lost in time. The sun shone brightly in my face. Sometimes, it was a cool breeze early in the morning, the same breeze that kissed my face as the green fields did. Each day was different from another. Each day was by its time.

On Santiago’s way, I faced my limits. I've realized small things I had never never realized in my life. I could measure how valuable is a glass of water because I had thirst, or a slice of bread because I had hunger. On that way, I found my fears and vanities. I lost and then I found myself.

No day was the same on this journey, which was sub-divided into manageable stages and was signposted all the way.

Equipped with no more than a rucksack and a few basic supplies, I was challenged by the difficulties that arise along the route. Once I completed the journey and reached Santiago, I agreed on one thing: that the effort had been well worthwhile. I entered the city at 11:50 am, I remember my gleefulness in seeing the stone towers of the great Cathedral  where the route finally ends. During my last steps, I was so happy in seeing my dream becoming true. I saw that the best has just passed. Arriving was only a small detail. All the way I left behind, all my experiences – those are my real prize that I’ll keep for the rest of my life.

I didn't follow the tradition .... Hugging St. James....

The walk was complete. I rolled up to the Dean's office in the early afternoon after a fairly hot and arduous trek into the city. I presented my Credential for signing by the Dean and after testifying I had walked over 100 km (62 miles) of the  Camino, the certificate was issued. My name is recorded in Latin on the certificate - something for the brag book....

Many years ago I had been in Santiago, the reason why the Cathedral didn't look impressive to me. Anyway, when you walk so far you are thankful to arrive safe and in good spirits... You see the magnificence of the place and you understand the rest...

After days of walking paths and visiting towns practically devoid of holidaymakers, it is rather a surprise to enter a city almost wholly devoted to the business of tourism, with its souvenir shops, beggars and the rest of the baggage that travels in the wake of today’s tourist. 

Many, many thanks to all of you who accepted the challenge of joining me. I would not have reached my goal, without your always precious and encouraging company . 

The slideshow below introduces the city such as I saw it. Two images show a black dog. Why has the dog deserved two images? I chatted with his mistress and I was told they had been walking together all over the French Way (769 km - 478 miles) for 4 weeks long!!!

~~ Thanks for stopping by ~~

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