Day 38: Santiago Day 1

Sleeping in was a luxury not often experienced on The Camino so we took advantage of the opportunity. We attended Sunday mass and then the pilgrims mass at the Cathedral de Santiago. It was a milestone and a long awaited experience. The first Christian church was built here between the years of 830-840, although even earlier Roman remains with an altar built dedicated to Jupiter have been excavated on this same site. 

The swinging of the giant incense burner, the Botafumeiro, which was originally used to fumigate the sweaty and quite possibly disease ridden peregrinos, is the symbol of completing the Camino. The ritual requires 12 attendants and doesn't always happen. Today it did. It was extraordinary!!! Having a full Sunday mass, receiving communion, and the pilgrims blessing, at this amazing historical cathedral was a uniquely emotional and moving experience. 

Every time I think of what we've done and the fact that Bryan and I have shared this truly challenging and exceptional experience...I burst into tears. We are both infinitely grateful.  We've made such lovely friends along The Way and tonight we celebrated our shared accomplishments. Marina, Julia, Lee, Bryan and I found wonderful food, wine, and the best restaurant owner ever. He served us veggie burgers that, according to him, “would change our lives forever!"  As if walking the Camino wasn't enough!!  

Tomorrow morning Bryan flies to Barcelona to stay with friends and then back home to California from there on Wednesday.  As for me, I'm not done walking yet. I have decided to continue my pilgrimage. I will take tomorrow off to rest and regroup, hang out with Marina & Julia who will also keep walking, and then I will continue my journey.  

There are approximately 120 km from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre and then Muxia.  Finisterre is a village and a cape in the Atlantic ocean. Finisterre, "the end of the land," was thought to be the end of the known world in the Middle Ages.  Dating back almost to the discovery of the tomb of Apostle St. James, some peregrinos decide to extend their journey to the Costa da Morte (Coast of Death), located in the westernmost part of Galicia. The route is known as the Camino de Finisterre & Muxia, considered one of the great "hidden" treasures of all the Caminos. Not many continue on foot past Santiago so it's much more quiet and seems a good way to begin to integrate all this Camino has to offer. I've heard they have some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world there. So I've made the decision, I will continue walking...