I arrived about 1 pm with great weather today the whole way. The forecast was for rain, so I was thrilled to be coming to Santiago on such a day. For the first time in over a week, I took off my windbreaker and long riding pants. There was tons of energy as Pilgrims were approaching Santiago; almost a celebration as we reached the outskirts of the town. The energy built as we got closer and closer to the cathedral. In a strange way, everyone kept to themselves at first upon entering as if to have some personal moment and then people came together as a celebration of the event.
I had gone back and forth for the past few days with two Italian mt bikers doing the Camino where we passed each other maybe each day. I saw them today a few miles before Santiago and they cheered me on as only Italians can...then we ended up in the square at the same moment and we celebrated together even though they didn't speak English. They wanted a picture of us together, so we roped a American tourist into taking pictures with their camera and mine. Sweet.
I checked into the posh Hostal de Reyes du Catholotics. Wow. Really nice. I went and got my Compostela certificate, but it was almost anti-climatic as I realized it was the journey that mattered.
I'm sure I'll have more to write as it sinks in....
"I've been on the Camino seven weeks. It's going to be strange tomorrow to wake up and not be walking"
Pilgrim who started the Camino in Seville
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