Hugs, Kisses, and No More Steps

We did it! We walked into Santiago at noon yesterday. About 800 kilometers or about 500 miles. So hard to believe.

We entered through a tunnel of stairs with Celtic music and anticipated an uplifting but reverent square. However, we stepped out into a huge plaza in which the Santiago Cathedral sits and found ourselves in the midst of a giant circus! There were tour buses, a tourist train, a large venue of children’s basketball tournaments,  vendors, and a broadcasting radio station. But, of course! This is the city’s main square and the locals put it to good use. 

And, although far from what we expected we found an area of celebrating pilgrims and gave and received high fives, hugs, and kisses. We took each other’s photos. We went to a bar and celebrated with drinks. 

Our Camino had come to an end. We felt a myriad of emotions - excitement, joy, pride, thankfulness, and even some disappointment. 

Today we’ve been wanderers. We’ve met with friends and said some goodbyes. We’ve explored this beautiful city. And, we’ve thrown away some clothes. We would have liked to throw them all away, but we still need something to wear for a few days! 

Tomorrow we go on a bus tour to Finisterre to see the coast. We’re staying in The Parador Hotel as a treat to ourselves Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday we fly to London and get to see our family which is always a wonderful thing. 

We’re excited to return home. We have experiences and memories to fill our brains for many months to come. 

Thank you all for following along with our blog. We loved hearing from you and felt as if you were a part of our journey!

Buen Camino.