Hi Andy,
Can you stay in the same albergue two nights - or do you have to move on?
Move on, unless u have a health prob, or, in the event of a private albergue, talk with the owner(s) and reach some kind of agreement. On the other hand, pending upon availability (or reason), they may let u stay longer. I know of a fellow in Burgos who had been staying at the albergue there for a days bec he had lost his passport.
SdC - what happens when you get there ??? (you get a free meal and the Compostela ??)
:lol: That's up to u-freetime!
U can go all the way to the Cathedral's facade, located at the Praza de Obradoiro, and have a good look at the place where u've been wanting to get to during ur walk for however long it'll take u. Can be very emotional my friend. It means the end of that portion of the Camino. Then, visit the cathedral, perhaps do some rites, like with the column at the Portico de la gloria, hug the statue of James at the altar, and more.
It'll be easy to find the Oficina del peregrino, where u can obtain ur Compostela, just ask people around the cathedral.
U may want to stop at "Casa Manolo," THE pilgrims' restaurant par excellence. Good meal, very nice, modern, restaurant, fairly cheap. There r many other good restaurants in/around Santiago. One I like is called "El asesino," it's got its own very interesting history & good food. I also like the "Cafe azul" in the old section of town.
Compostela is a beautiful place, a lot to see there, like churches, museums (Museum of Pilgrimages and and Art Museum r my favorites), and more. Then there may be concerts, depending on what time of the year u go, and more. U may want to take tours to neighboring sites, like the beautiful Rias Altas or Baixas, towns, cities, like La Coruña, Betanzos, Portugal, etc.
The free meal u can get at the Hospital de los Reyes Catolicos, on the Praza d'Obradoiro, in front the cathedral, to the right. If I remember correctly they take only 10 for lunch, 10 for dinner. U go through the kitchen. The food is great and free.
:lol: Galego is the language in Galicia, with its own grammar, and written lit. Manuel Rivas and Souza de Toro are two modern Galego writers I like. There may be English-language translations of their work. Songs in Galego are beautiful, sample some of the CDs in record shops. Everyone speaks Spanish in Compostela.
)Glorious) food and good hearty meals at the end of journeys should not be a prob, I feel/do likewise.
apologies if these seem really daft
Not at all, we r all learning.
Buen Camino,
xm 8)