the end of the journey. No sunlight to excite me this morning. It was a drizzling rain kind of day until noon. The walk out from Monte do Gozo straight to the Office of the Peregrino gave me one or 2 passing glimpses of the cathedral as I took the upside winding streets like Rua de Bonaval. (Also I saw it from the mount when I went to its highest point on my way to my albergue). After giving my pre information (all online on my phone but with help) I received a number in the queue and a link to see when they were getting close to my number. This wound up being three hours today, August 26th,2021. So I turned the wide corner to the majestic front of the cathedral! Walked up to the front door and was told how to enter which is on a different side ,but "no backpacks"! Walked straight to the pilgrim house and made new friends there ! Walked back sans mochillos (I have 2 --my little flimsy one and the normal one) and got in the line for the holy door entrance. I had already been to two masses on the camino the one before starting in Sarria and the one at Portomarin at St.Johns. Very very outstanding .You go by these little alcoves and the pious are talking to priests,maybe having confession? and one had a small service going on. It was dark. Then you go under the alter to see the box that sits above the tomb of James!
After a fast bakery (savory and meat items)lunch right there at that smaller plaza by the holy door and entrance for mass doors it was time to go get my certificate. That also was a nice experience and feeling of accomplishment.I sat in the chapel a little while.
More time with new friends at Pilgrim House then I left by way of the arch tunnel to enjoy the flowers in front of the monastery one more time and the bagpiper in the tunnel and see the front of this magnificent cathedral again.