Wonder

Yesterday I arrived in Santiago de Compostela after 35 days of walking and 800km. I arrived in a group of people, most of whom I had been walking with in and off over the last two to three weeks and it was very special to share this final stage of the journey with them. Of course I had the wonderful pleasure of walking with Daphne who had come back to finish this journey as well. Finally, herding us all together as a group was Aristo, our super dog

Before we arrived into the city proper we stopped at the Alto de Gozo, where one can see the towers of the cathedral for the first time. It was here that I scattered the final ashes of mum and dad. I couldn’t think of a more fitting place for them to be.

There are no real words to describe the feeling of walking into the cathedral plaza, with one’s fellow pilgrims. The emotions run high – tears, elation, wonder, trepidation and companionship all run through one’s mind. The majesty of the location adds to the sense of occasion. All around me there appear to be the same feelings, interspersed by cheers as new groups arrive into the plaza. Bizarrely, a tourist train wends its way through the plaza every few minutes.

It is too early to even start to contemplate the lessons of the Camino, particularly as one is still so high on emotion. I think all are similarly affected. One particularly poignant moment is when a young woman comes into the plaza on her own and bursts into tears. She has none to share the highs of the day so Michael goes to comfort her.

This morning I collected my Compostela from the Pilgrims office. This document which I shall treasure, is a “proof” that I have completed the journey. I was surprised how closely my credencials were scrutinised by the lady behind the counter, before she proceeded to complete the document with my name in Latin. Why would anyone cheat to get a Compostela? At 8am the queue was an hour long, whilst later in the day the queue is up to 3 hours.

After this, I went to the daily pilgrims mass which was given in multiple languages and blessed us all for our efforts. Another wonderful service, but one where I fell asleep, to my embarrassment.

Today is my birthday and so I feel especially privileged to celebrate with my wife and my Camino family in this wonderful city.

Buen Camino