We travelled back from magical and sunny Finisterre on a foggy and drizzly day ,thankfully it was the no stops direct route to Santiago, quicker and safer . We were returning for the "fests do Apostlo" ( festival of the Apostle ) which runs for the last 2 weeks in July with the high point of festivities being around St James Day on the 25th July... which happen's to be Anita's 60th birthday!!
Our accommodation was right In the middle of it all ,opposite the pilgrims office in Rua Villar, so we have been immersed in the excitement of new pilgrims finishing and the overall celebrations culminating in midnight fireworks over the cathedral ..but first we queued up for Friday nights Pilgrims mass which included the lighting of the Botafumeiro.
The queue wound its way around the block and we were wondering if we would get in at all ... then we noticed a few people leaving the line and going to the Cathedral gift shop and not returning ..was this a secret portal in ? We went to investigate and yes there was a door open into the Cathedral so we got a prime spot to see the ceremony of the Mass including the choir singing the Mass in latin and the huge burning inscense dispensing 53kg Botafumeiro swinging high into the Cathedral ceiling. This ceremony was introduced to effectively fumigate the smelly pilgrims...you can only imagine ...it has now become the ending highpoint for all pilgrims.
The streets were packed with families enjoying the festivities and the crowds grew around the Cathedral as the Fireworks exploded into the sky .. . amazing . what a culmination to our Camino . . side by side with Anita on her 6Oth birthday the best ever !
The party was just beginning for the Spanish with the music going to till 4am .
As we wandered back into our hotel who should we see in the hotel cafe but our Camino friend Daianna So after a celebratory drink and reminiscing,we did not make till bed till 1.30am☺
Anita was unaware that I had organised a family Skype call at 9am..so when i awoke her prior it was into the shower to freshen up...what a joy to see our kids and Nate...wow how he has grown ..standing and trying to talk..it made us want to be home even more.
The remaining time Santiago was spent soaking in the sights ,sounds and flavours of this ancient place....including the mandatory gift and clothes shopping (we have after all had a very limited wardrobe for 50 days)..and a Sangria (Spanish alcoholic punch like drink) and the fabulous food of course.
So its off to Paris on Tuesday for a brief R&R before flying back late thursday night...ending a profound time in our lives.
Our accommodation was right In the middle of it all ,opposite the pilgrims office in Rua Villar, so we have been immersed in the excitement of new pilgrims finishing and the overall celebrations culminating in midnight fireworks over the cathedral ..but first we queued up for Friday nights Pilgrims mass which included the lighting of the Botafumeiro.
The queue wound its way around the block and we were wondering if we would get in at all ... then we noticed a few people leaving the line and going to the Cathedral gift shop and not returning ..was this a secret portal in ? We went to investigate and yes there was a door open into the Cathedral so we got a prime spot to see the ceremony of the Mass including the choir singing the Mass in latin and the huge burning inscense dispensing 53kg Botafumeiro swinging high into the Cathedral ceiling. This ceremony was introduced to effectively fumigate the smelly pilgrims...you can only imagine ...it has now become the ending highpoint for all pilgrims.
The streets were packed with families enjoying the festivities and the crowds grew around the Cathedral as the Fireworks exploded into the sky .. . amazing . what a culmination to our Camino . . side by side with Anita on her 6Oth birthday the best ever !
The party was just beginning for the Spanish with the music going to till 4am .
As we wandered back into our hotel who should we see in the hotel cafe but our Camino friend Daianna So after a celebratory drink and reminiscing,we did not make till bed till 1.30am☺
Anita was unaware that I had organised a family Skype call at 9am..so when i awoke her prior it was into the shower to freshen up...what a joy to see our kids and Nate...wow how he has grown ..standing and trying to talk..it made us want to be home even more.
The remaining time Santiago was spent soaking in the sights ,sounds and flavours of this ancient place....including the mandatory gift and clothes shopping (we have after all had a very limited wardrobe for 50 days)..and a Sangria (Spanish alcoholic punch like drink) and the fabulous food of course.
So its off to Paris on Tuesday for a brief R&R before flying back late thursday night...ending a profound time in our lives.
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