On the road before 8 for the last few km into Santiago. A beautiful clear day, perfect for that last stage.
Got to my hotel nice and early and dropped the rucksack and rushed to pilgrim mass. Friends from last year's Camino Frances, Thomas and Karin, with their son Jan were already in Santiago and had reserved seats, which was easier said than done, given the pressure for seating in the cathedral. There was some ugly pushing but that was just me pushing Jan out into the aisle. Pilgrim mass completed, compostela duly received and then it was time to enjoy the city. There was, of course, a party going on - the Ascension party - and so the streets were full of bands and music.
Dagmar, the Lenz family and a poor attempt with a camera timer
In the evening, the party continued at the Quintana square. There are steps which create a natural auditorium and the music and wine flowed. It was good to see Joe again, and another abiding memory was singing Feliz Navidad with the Lenz's at the top of the steps. The other abiding memory was tripping in my crocs and smacking my head at the bottom of a flight of steps on surprisingly firm stone. Either way it was a fun way to end a camino.
My third camino. This was a pretty lively affair with a lot less thinking time so different but none the worse for that. Three caminos and this is becoming a habit.
I will walk again.
Love,
Nick, a pilgrim
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