The final Day - Santiago de Compostella

My friend Ignacio arrives last night and we have diner at the Cafe Nene after pilgrims mass. Knowing that we get up early and start at. 5:30 next morning we call it a night on time.

Early morning Ignacia and I are ready, and load the taxi wich will bring us back to O Pedrouzo where I ended my walk yesterday. It’s raining, foggy and dark, but many pilgrims are already on their way driven by a similar anxiety and loads of adrenaline like us.

Somewhere in a tunnel I recognize the shadows of my 3 musketeers from Canary Islands and we ‚high five‘ us. Ignacio and I don’t speak too much as the first part of the Camino seems to be a constant uphill. Interesting also that the way Leads around the runway for Santiago‘s airport which lays a good 15 km outside of the city.

What has this way done with me, will be the number one question people will ask me. It sure took me out of my comfort zone, made me feel like a gipsy sleeping in a different b3 every night, exhausted me both physically and mentally - and made me deal with myself, my situation, my problems, my happiness. It seems the Camino will help me to live more consciously. Maybe the Trumps, Erdogans, Johnsons of this world need to be send on this Camino - but that’s up to them. This Camino is a choice and not a punishment and sure gives back so much more than it takes.

We are getting to the top of the last mountain and decide to have breakfast as so far we only ate a banana in our rooms before departure. An Irish guy at the next table starts a conversation with Ignacio - interesting character this 82 year old man with his own type of luggage he Carrie’s with him.

As we are both soaking wet by now ( sweat from the inside and rain from the outside will do that) we decide to go on down into the city; the remaining 4 km lead along first the industrial part of the city and then the old part of the city.

At the finish line I listen to what my mind and body has to say: absolutely nothing. Deep satisfaction has left me quiet and focused deep within me. At the pilgrims mass at noon we both ask ourselves why the Catholic Church leaves such a great opportunity - 2000 pilgrims of which most hardly ever go to church - unused. The preaching is old school and rather boring, very little appealing to the audience. The intention of the priest is surely positive: he wants to deliver a theological and intellectual sound message, but he looses his audience.

Same procedure as every year: after pilgrims mass we have lunch at the downstairs restaurant in the Parador. The waiter gently welcomes us and seats us at the same table as 4 years ago. When I mentioned this table to him he response,‘ I know you sat here 4 years ago; the two of you and a lady friend; you ordered a bottle of champagne and a bottle of Vega Sicillia.‘ We are both speechless- this guy is a phenomenal. And what a nice way to conclude this blog. Thank you all for your support. Thank you to Olaf for organizing this blog and to all your positive and wonderful comments.

Bon Camino!