I had a flashback this morning at the gym. A song came on and I was right back on the Camino.
It was our last leg, final kilometers to Santiago. We stopped for a snack and a beverage at a place that looked sort of like a park, maybe a campground. There was a restaurant with a lot of outdoor seating under some trees. Music was playing - kind of random, mostly pop. We hung out awhile - kind of stalling because while we wanted to get to Santiago, we also didn't want to get to Santiago - I am sure most pilgrims know that feeling. Then California Gurls by Katy Perry came on - poppiest of the pop song genre, but we are Californians and Katy's singing about us
We took it as our queue to get going and finish the journey into Santiago - it was time. We collected our packs and danced our way out of there, waving our poles in the air. People were clapping and hooting. We felt like Shaft with theme music.
California girls
We're undeniable
Fine, fresh, fierce
We got it on lock
West coast represent (west coast, west coast)
Now put your hands up
Ooh oh ooh
Ooh oh ooh
So now, every time I hear that song, I think of that magical moment.