The big day had come! It was only a few kms to Santiago and didn´t take long, Mika knew the way to the Cathedral having done the French Route last year. Having found the Pilgrim´s Office we sat and waited. The office didn´t open till 10 so went to the (5 star) Hotel los Reyes Católicos back entrance to see about pilgrim meals. The reason these meals are given here is because the hotel was originally a pilgrims hostel for many centuries and continues tradition this way. Couldn´t sort it all out without missing both the office and midday Mass at the Cathedral which were a must. Took early morning photos, visited the surrounding area. Contemplated the beauty and feel of the CathedraI, was captivated. Lucky to arrive on Palm Sunday, plus it being a special Holy Jacobean Year... (and not raining!) Later the office opened. Were first in to get our La Compostela certificates. It was a happy, friendly event. La Compostela is written in Latin, including your own name. You are asked where you´re from, some details. After, went to the information centre (very good) nearby to find an albergue. As we´d arrived a day early we´d have to stay 2 nights before flying back on 30th. Albergues in Santiago are twice the price as others in Galicia, €10 pp. Cheapest. We stayed at albergue Seminario Menor (shown towards end of photos) after a very steep ascent getting there. Good showers if you get in first. Big, long, communal dorms. Lots of beds for lots of pilgrims. Locking cupboards by beds for rucksacks - also paying lockers downstairs for leaving things during the day if needed (like rucksacks). Kitchen area downstairs. We were on the third floor of this huge building, and had good views of Santiago. Checked in, went back to the Cathedral for Palm Sunday Mass. Bells chimed, the Cathedral was packed. The great organ played, the Archbishop took his place with other priests and the service began. A procession walked slowly in bearing olive branches and statues of Christ on the Cross and of the Virgin Mary. They quietly went to one side and the service was held. I could hear and understand all that was said. The Archbishop blessed the day´s pilgrims and announced which country we´d come from. There were many different nationalities.The service was straight from the Bible. The lighting was beautiful. We heard the Last Supper through to the Crucifixion, read clearly by the priests and Archbishop in turn. Lovely to hear it straight as it is written. Then prayers and lots of well-wishing between us all before having communion. The procession left slowly at the end with their branches... leaving a sense of profound peace not often felt. Went outside feeling quite new! In the afternoon, visited a pretty local park full of magnolias, camellias and rhodies, flowers in general and funny statues. Sat on a bench and rested, happy. Went back to the Cathedral, embraced the Apostle, visited his tomb (prayed particularly for my Dad, who is also a James.
Then queued for tea at the back end of the hotel. Went through the hotel, upstairs to the serving area, then to eat in the Pilgrim Dining Room (see photos). Queued again for bfast early the next morning (have to be within the first 10). It poured with rain and was bitterly cold and windy (see photo of me huddled by a vending m/c at the back entrance) but we met all sorts of other pilgrims and swapped tales and opinions. Spoke many languages badly! The rest of our time in Santiago went very quickly, sorting details about the journey back. It really deluged with rain so few photos taken - and was so windy umbrellas were broken and thrown in the rubbish. Lunches in the Pilgrims Dining Room were top rate and a welcome refuge from the rain. My other refuge was the public loo, in fine nick, where I could write notes in peace! Lara, a fellow pilgrim of Mika´s from the French Route came to visit us, and we all went out together and had posh coffees in a bar.
Next day, it was all over. Went to the airport after looking round the market. The flight was delayed, the bus was late at Reus airport where we needed to catch it quickly to get a train connection in Barcelona to come home to Masquefa. Waiting for the bus was painful (photo) but despite missing our connection we still found our way home... under the light of the full moon that same night.
What an adventure. What an expedition! An unforgettable experience. They say doing the Pilgrim´s Way changes you...
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El Camino de Santiago (guida completa) 44 minby milleaccendini21,661 views
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