Saturday, July 25: Santiago.

Yudi:  Good morning dear blog followers.   An apology for no blog yesterday, lo ciento.

I want to revisit my beginning blog entry where I discuss moving into the 4 th quarter of my life and how appreciative I am for the wonderful life I have been blessed with.  I am blessed, and so very appreciative of all the love and prayers which have accompanied this pilgrimage.  Thank you.

No surprise to anyone that I found the Camino to be extremely challenging physically, emotionally and spiritually.  As I have come to know that is the Camino’s purpose, to be a vector of time that one ponders one’s life and path.  Many days I seriously questioned my fortitude and abilities- but my fellow pilgrims and family did not question these.   At these times they encouraged, coaxed and challenged me to pull deep from within, because I had what I needed.  To me they are heroes.  What a wonderful family, both my family of origin and my wonderful husband, sons, daughters and grandchildren!

And then the reward.  Coming into Santiago was incredible- full of energy, people, music- bagpipes and drums,   There were pilgrims everywhere in different stages is reality that this walk is done and here we are standing in front this ancient Catholic Cathedral in this spiritual pathway.

After depositing our packs and showering we entered the Cathedral.  I would like to think I know my churches after a trip 11 years ago where my husband and I motorcycled throughout the eastern part of Spain visiting churches as well as two trips to the Vatican in Rome- but this Cathedral is nirvana.  I was speechless and joyfull to be in this holy shrine.  I felt as though something very deep, very primal was being fed.

6 masses and one vespers later I am unchanged in my belief that Santiago is truly a special, spiritual experience that is unparralled.   My heart is singing.  Last night the botafuneiro flew for only the pilgrims- once in a lifetime experience.   The Camino was a spiritual gift

I will never forget this Catholic Cathedral, the priests and sisters, the choirs and sitting with my fellow pilgrims and loving every moment.  And yes, walking the Camino was worth this reward.

Ana: Since we entered Santiago my mind has been on overload.   So many sights, sounds, and feelings swirling around my brain.  Meeting friends from the journey and making new friends at mass.  An incredible event that has left me speechless.

We have walked the streets of the old city, dined in small cafes, shopped for the first time( no worry now about extra weight to carry), shared stories with many others, and marveled at this holy place.

Mass was held twice a day, we have been to six very different services. From the priests and nuns, the choirs, and organ, the awesome cathedral, to the swinging of the botafumeiro, everything has been as close to heaven on earth as I have ever seen.  All this for the pilgrims!

Thousands of people have descended upon this church this weekend for the feast of St James.  It has been a party atmosphere with rock bands and full orchestras, fireworks, and the strangest sight(for me) of kegs being rolled in front of the church to set up in a side court for the party.  Since I am having a hard time describing this, I will insert some pictures and let them tell the tale.

 

We ended today at a pilgrim mass and are now tucking in.  Early flight to Madrid and on the way home.

I bring home with me the greatest memories of time shared with family, hard work and laughter, and most important, at the center of it all is the love of God.

I remember something John told me before he died, “live everyday, do your best, and go to sleep at night in peace.  I am there, I am at peace.