We decided to walk the last day with a couple from Maine with whom we had shared a fair portion of the journey. In fact there were days that the encouragement we received from these two saw us to the end of the day. We were all of the same mind, we were in no particular hurry and wanted to enjoy each and every moment, not so much putting off the inevitable moreover making the most of the day.
There was much talking, laughing, sharing of food and drink and stopping and taking photos. All those we spoke to along the way were wanting to finish but did not want the Camino to end…
We walked what seemed an inordinate amount of time from the outskirts to the cathedral and when we arrived there was a bagpiper playing and a welcoming group of teenagers with cookies. If that wasn’t enough to overwhelm us, as we were walking this huge plaza in front of the cathedral, looking for someone to take a photo of all four, we hear “I’ll take your photo!” A young lady we had met and with whom we had shared a meal, together with her mother, had waited in the plaza to welcome and greet us. Such unexpected generosity was truly moving… we all teared up of course.
The journey was not over (something we did learn on the Camino, there is always something more either round the next bend or after the next rise in the road), we needed to officially finish and gain recognition for the kilometres travelled. Of course nothing is ever simple, this turned into a one and half hour wait…. and they wrote 799 kilometres on the certificate!!! We celebrated with a glass of sangria/beer/juice and called it a day!
The journey certainly does not end here, the friendships made, the lessons learnt, the insights gained, the beaity we have observed and have been part of will accompany us for the remainder of our individual journeys through life.
Buen Camino!
pindun on the road to Santiago de Compostella 