LIVE from the Camino My Camino started Sept 8, 2021

[Canada1]

So finally made it to Santiago. The last 12 miles were fun lots of singing along the way from groups. Easy enough final day took around 4+ hours to arrive. When you get to Santiago it’s such a long walk in from the outskirts of town took forever. Felt elated, emotional, satisfied arriving. When we got to the main square there was however a slight disappointment. My perfect end was to walk into the cathedral and touch the statue of St James. 2 things thwarted that. You can not take backpacks into the cathedral and no one gave us a tip that you can leave them outside, ( which you can), so we felt we couldn’t go straight in before checking into our accommodation and unloading our packs. Then when we finally made it into the cathedral the door where you pass the James statue is not in use currently and the statue is cordoned off so you can’t get to touch it or the architects statue. Sled didn’t get to complete any of the usual rituals which was such a shame. We missed the opportunity to get out Compostela yesterday as we were too late but this morning went back at 9 and after an hours queuing we got it! Feels strange not to be walking today and will take time to readjust to normal life. Wonderful experience so pleased I did it. If anyone wants any hostel recommendations or tips happy to help others planning. You all will LOvE it!

You did it! What an amazing accomplishment. So sorry you didn't get to touch the St James statue at the end but from what I have read of your wonderful journey I'm sure St. James touched you. Bravo well done!

 

[Happyinharrogate]

My Camino
So, after over a month away from home indulging myself on this journey, it’s finally over. In stats it meant travelling a journey of 500 miles, walking an average of 16 miles a day, burning an average of 4000 calories per day, and climbing over 13000 metres during the walk. It’s certainly a long walk, with a couple of pretty challenging days, day 1 in particularly, but it’s absolutely achievable by most people of reasonable fitness, though only 25% of people starting where I did manage to make it all the way through to the end, and blisters and injuries can always intervene. But if anyone was thinking I would like to do it, but not sure I can, you absolutely can. You just need to free the time up to do it.
Setting aside the practicalities of doing the walk and the stats of the walk, what are my final reflections and what do I take away from this experience?
For over a month I’ve thought of little else but the walk, the day I’m on, and have absolutely lived in the moment. For clearing your mind it’s hard to beat.
I haven’t come back with any life changing lightbulb moments but I wasn’t looking for them, I’m happy with where my life is, but I know for many people it does provide that opportunity.
For me my Camino was immersing myself in a new experience, pushing myself, seeing new places, walking through awesome landscapes, living in a different culture, but above all, meeting new people with new perspectives and stories I’ve never heard before. That will be my lasting memory of this trip.
People warned me that you experience a strange and powerful emotion at the end of this walk, and I get it, you do. Despite all the joy of looking forward to seeing my family and friends again back in the UK , I’m sad it’s now over. Along the walk, I met people who had done this walk multi times, and right up until the last week, I kept asking why you would want to do that? I now know why. I think I will be back.