October 10, 2009
It is a short walk to Santiago de Compostela, our final destination. It is a sad moment; the trip is over, at least the walking part. We time our arrival so that we can attend the mass. It is a zoo. There are so many people there. Not very holy if you ask me. Later I went to see the relic of Santiago. I couldn’t even see it because somebody was standing in front of it. Oh well. The camino is the important part not the relic, cathedral, or the completion. So do you understand this pilgrimage? You probably don’t. I didn’t until I got here. The camino is an historical route where pilgrims from all over Europe travel to pray at the body of Santiago. Santiago is also known as James, James the apostle that was beheaded. Well as the legend goes his body floated in a stone boat to Spain where it was discovered, and people from all over come to pray to Santiago. This pilgrimage goes back to the 10th or 11th century. Recently there has been a real upsurge in its popularity. Tonight we are staying at a parador; this is the second parador that we are staying at. Paradors are converted historical buildings turned into hotels. It is as if Fort Point is transformed into a hotel. They are so unique. This one used to be a hospital for the pilgrims, but hospital like hospitality and some medical care. It is right next to the cathedral. Any closer and I wouldn’t even have to leave my bed to attend mass.
The final dinner is held in a private room in the basement. It is so touching. No one wants the walk to end but we all must go back to our lives before the camino. As difficult the walking can be, many times our real lives are much more difficult. That is why many people do the camino or 88 temple walk over and over. I understand it, so does Emi. But life is not a pilgrimage. I just hope that we can take the knowledge gained from the walks back to our real lives. Thank you Nancy and Jose for a truly remarkable experience.
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