Madrid Camino Day 31 – Salceda to Santiago

Jun 5, 2017

I am in Santiago de Compostela. 

29 kms today seemed longer as my anticipation built. Just as I got my first glimpse of Santiago from high atop the massive hill on the outskirts, it started to rain. The walk into town seemed endless. It took another hour and a half to get to the Cathedral in the center of the city. I bumped into my old pal Jean on the way in and we took the requisite pictures in the square then went for a burger – I was starved.

Then off to the pilgrim office where they provide your certificate, but the line up was very long, so I’ve come to my hotel to clean up and rest. The plan is to stay an extra day in Santiago and play tourist. It is a beautiful old city with a colourful history, and besides, I have earned a day off. My laundry is being done by the hotel and I will hunker down for a fat sleep and take a relaxed wander tomorrow. Maybe I’ll even attend the famous Pilgrim’s Mass at noon.

I will need much more time to process this journey, but at the moment I am happy and proud of my achievement and well deserving of a rest and a change of pace.