F
Former member 42123
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How often have I read those words.Compare my two arrivals in Santiago.2013 walking along the narrow streets towards the cathedral,I began to meet pilgrims walking towards me on their way back with their compostellas.They called out "well done" and you're all most there" or"Buen Camino". I had tears running down my face as I got closer.Alas,the Prince of Japan was due to arrive having walked 10k of the way.The place was full of uniformed police and security blocking half the square off.The coachloads of tourists filled most of the rest of the available space and most seats in the cathedral.I felt none of the "exultation" I thought I would feel on my arrival,but as I knelt and said a prayer of thanks for my safe completion of the Camino,I realised the Camino is the journey ,and in the journey is the magic. In 2014 I only walked from Leon,but walked with a joy in the knowledge that its the walking,the meeting wonderful people,the sharing and the caring is the meaning of "The Way". I shed tears again,but not inSantiago,but as I knelt at the wire fence with a thousand crosses on,and at Cruz deFierro as I prayed for loved ones here or passed on.I reached Santiago,but no one spoke to me as I neared the cathedral,but it did not matter,for it was just a destination