Reflections on our time in Santiago

[SCT]

My husband and I returned last month from our third Camino. We’ve always enjoyed Santiago, but our time this year was especially meaningful. Some of the things that helped us create a great ending to our walk:

1. Celebrating and lingering in the cathedral square helped us savor the end of our five hundred mile journey.

2. We had planned to stay a few extra days in Santiago and found that beneficial! We ended up seeing many folks that we met along the way and had time to informally debrief and share with friends.

3. Attending pilgrim’s mass was significant, and taking advantage of quiet afternoons in the cathedral provided us with opportunities to hug St. James, to pray, and to appreciate the richness of the cathedral.

4. The Pilgrim’s House (19 Rúa Nova) offers a warm welcome to pilgrims! We attended a debriefing session, picked up reflection questions, and made connections.

5. The Forum Gathering at the home of S. Yates was delightful! It was a rich time of sharing for the group that gathered together. See her post for current schedule.

Anticipating returning to the Camino,
Susan and Curt from Montana

 

[nycwalking]

Congratulations. Wonderful post.
Merry, merry to you!

 

[VNwalking]

Absolutely, Susan.
I find that lingering in Santiago to be an powerful part of any pilgrimage; I cannot imagine getting there and flying out the next morning (or - God forbid - taking the afternoon train to Madrid on the same day). The mix of reflective, prayerful, and social moments is what 'jump starts' the process of integrating what has happened while walking into my 'regular life.'

 

[natefaith]

Susan and Curt,
SO wonderful to meet you both and get to know you. Here's to future Caminos!
Merry Christmas!

 

[SCT]

Nate and Faith,
Thank you! Wonderful to meet you too and to spend time at Pilgrim House.
Merry Christmas!
Susan