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My last day in Santiago

Tulle

Active Member
Donating Member
Time of past OR future Camino
1999 Burgos-SDC, 2003 Leon-SDC, 2007-2012 Le Puy-SDC, 2014 Burgos-Covarrubias, Camino Ingles 3 times
I arrived in Santiago last Wednesday after having walked Camino Ingles and spent Thursday in town. It was a nice day, but also a little sad - will this be the last time in Santiago?
After a good breakfast in The Hospederia I thought I was smart and went down to the Pilgrim's office at 8.15 to get my Compostela. But so were a lot of other pilgrims, so there was already a long line. But after one hour and 15 minutes I got my Compostela.
Then I went to the cathedral to attend the English service. It was really nice to be there and understand the language in the service Since I am not a Catholic I didn't take part in the communion but I got the blessing from the priest. So it was time for the Pilgrim's mass and a new blessing. At least ten priests there, I think it was the Feast of the resurrection. And at last, the Botafumeiro! So what a day, two blessings and the botafumeiro!
After a nice visit in the Pilgrim's House I strolled around for a while in town before it was time for the overnight bus to Madrid.
Well, will it be my last time? Camino Ingles was meant to be my last Camino, but now I don't know..
Ps: I went around all day in a t-shirt with my avatar on, but no one recognized me....
 
Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.

You know, for all the excitement and hype and anticipation and longing to reach Santiago de Compostela, I am happy there for about twelve hours, and then I get incredibly sad and lonely.

--my friends are leaving.
--I'm not walking!
--it really has some nice restaurants, and it's a beautiful little city, but all the merchandise....it makes me feel sad to see all the people shopping. Of course, I shop too!

I would not have recognized your avatar, but my eyes are getting so bad for online stuff. I WOULD have recognized your forum patch!

Congrats on making it to Santiago!
 
Camino Preparation Guide
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I arrived in Santiago about a month ago. Stayed one night before moving on to Madrid to meet family. It was the only day on the Camino I felt lonely. I guess no one to celebrate with?
Despite being outgoing I walked most of the Camino alone.
Mostly my own choice. I did meet two people I could have walked with but one was in a rush to finish. ( he had A strict timeline to get back to work ) the other guy was a marathon runner fighting really bad blister problems whom I figured I wouldn't be able to keep up with when he felt better and or would hold me back with his blister problem.
Personally for me it seemed 80% of the pilgrims were much younger than I and the rest were too much older than I to connect with.
Thus the reason I doubt I will walk again in August.
 
KinkyOne said:
Dear @Tulle ,

I know that feeling on the last day in Santiago before return home. So sad in a way but according to the Caminos you have already walked I'm sure Camino will call you again. Wish you all the best

Ultreia!
Click to expand...

I believe many of us on this forum probably feel exactly the same when leaving.........
 
Camino Inspired & Tested Gear!
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
Jersey said:
It was the only day on the Camino I felt lonely. I guess no one to celebrate with
Click to expand...
Isn't it strange that after all that time it's in Santiago that we often feel lonely for the first time. My first Camino ended that way as I walked alone and lost those I'd met along the way. I arrived mainly with strangers. My first full CF was totally different - I finished with a crowd of new friends with whom I am still in touch. My CP last month ended with a few new friends but my flight wasn't until 2 days later and I spent a rather flat day in Santiago almost breaking my resolve not to take a bus to Fisterra. I didn't though -I took the train to O Coruna instead. I will walk to Fisterra, or not go. One day I will make sure I have the time. I guess it is part of the proof that it's not the arrival that matters, - It's the getting there.
 
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