Arrival… the finish line…

I’ve heard it said that when you finish walking the Camino, it’s not the end but the start… not sure what that means, but during the last few days I have felt a mixture of conflicting emotions.  On the one hand, lots of excitement at the prospect of finally getting to the end of a mammoth journey (according to my fitbit 1000 kilometres plus,  the official distance of the two Caminos is about 870 kilometres, either way we’ve been walking for almost eight weeks!), on the other hand I feel a certain kind of sadness at having to return to ordinary life!

Ordinary, everyday life kind of starts to impinge on the tranquility of the Camino paths as soon as you approach a city … the noise of the traffic; cars, trucks, tractors, motorbikes … then as you enter the city you meet the busy-ness of people, their workday life and their trade. While you are still walking, this is just a phase, a small moment … when you reach your finishing point, it dawns on you that this is returning to your normal life. The busy-ness, the noise, are all going to become part of your reality,  and somehow you wish you could hold back the tide.

I’ve also heard it said that the Camino is meant to shift you out of your old habits, sometimes jolting you out of them. Once again, I’m not too sure about this either… but I do know from experience that you tend to see things differently. For me, the Camino changes my perspective… my surroundings,  the people in my life and what is truly important. This thought stays with me through both sets of conflicting emotions long after finishing a Camino.

These and thoughts of people, nearest and dearest to my heart, were constantly with me as we approached Santiago. The weather was kind, not too hot, but a little on the humid side, so somewhat uncomfortable. The track criss crossed the highway but had enough tree lined avenues and short cuts through tiny hamlets to keep us happy. Our excitement grew as we neared the old city and caught the first glimpse of the cathedral towers, then waned as we started to mingle with the throng of people that is Santiago… pilgrims,  tourists, restaurantors, vendors, beggars, performers… and suddenly you feel insignificant,  a drop in the ocean … at a loss as to what to do next? A photo of course, sharing with loved ones … the pilgrim office or church? … we opted for the church and after being told to go to the end of the queue, were told that our backpacks were too big and we cannot enter the church … lockers are located at the opposite end … disappointedly we walk away and head for the pilgrim’s office … quick service, but alas they could not give us a distance certificate combining both Caminos 😢! No matter, we thought, time for a celebratory drink or two! … and then to the practical … accommodation,  food, souvenirs…

Everywhere, there are pilgrims like us, excited, tearfully overcome with the emotion of having arrived … and lost … looking for accomodation, a place to eat, a place to rest … Many flop down in the piazza, lean against a wall, or lie down on the cobblestones letting it all sink in! Later on, they will be at a table, drinking and eating and waving excitedly at the new arrivals. Tomorrow they will buy souvenirs and make their way home via bus, train or plane.