The Day After

Hi Everyone,

Not much walking today (thankfully)! Now, about yesterday…

The day started earlier than normal as we were burning to reach the Cathedral. After some ice cream for breakfast (mom broke all her rules!), we were on our way. We were confident and excited, and smashed the first 6 miles. Then we took a quick break to replenish our energy with some real food. Without skipping a beat, we were back.

It may just have been the whole idea that we wouldn’t have to walk 20 miles again, but I felt like we were flying.

Before I knew it, we caught our first glimpse of the Cathedral from as far as 5 miles out. It was a perfect, crystal clear day and we felt like we could touch it. Words cannot describe how surreal this felt. We had walked some 195 miles, and the end was literally in sight. I couldn’t stop smiling as I knew we were almost there.

Just under two hours later, we arrived! Many members of our extended family were already waiting in the Plaza del Obradorio to greet us, which meant more than words can express. After doing something as hard and meaningful as this, seeing the ones you love the most feels incredible.

We took many pictures in front of the Cathedral, checked into our hotel, and got our Compostelas (we were 4 of the 2,101 pilgrims who arrived yesterday!). It was unreal to see the official certificates in our hands!

Afterward, we rested for a bit and then at night went to the pilgrim mass. Although it was insanely crowded and only spoken in Spanish, it was very moving and we loved watching the botafumeiro swing from one end of the Cathedral to the other (the botafumeiro is a humongous silver incense holder — and it takes 7 guys to lift it up!).

Finally, to end the day, we got dinner with the family at the foot of the Cathedral, which concluded one of the best days of my life. I didn’t feel like anything was real at that point. My mind just couldn’t stop racing. And I have to say, yesterday was very bittersweet. Through all the pain, blisters, and strain, I really loved every second of the walk. I didn’t want it to end.

But it did. And that’s ok.

I feel like dad was right by my side and there were so many signs to prove it. Just yesterday, when I was getting my Compostela, he was there. Want to know how? Well, if you remember the 10 euros I found on one of the early days of the walk, this is what I used to pay for our certificates. Dad was sponsoring me and helped me to finish the walk. So, thank you, dad, that was very cheeky.

Anyway, I will have one more reflection post this Sunday. It will be the last post of this journey, so please stay tuned!

Until then!