*Wick and I set out this morning from Portos, but it was slow going because my foot has been hurting again. We had to do over 20K yesterday to get to an alburgue that had beds for us. That was more than my foot could handle in its weakened condition. We decided it would be best for both of us, and allow Wick to continue walking, for me to go straight to Santiago. We walked to Palas de Rei,I caught a bus around noon, and arrived in Santiago in about an hour and a half.
Pilgrims (peregrinos) arrive in the Cathedral Plaza throughout the day.*
This scallop shell and inscription are set in the center of the Plaza in front of the Cathedral (Praza Obradoiro). It is considered the official endpoint of the pilgrim's journey on the Camino de Santiago.*
It has been difficult to find a place to stay here because of a big holiday coming up this week. It is Spain's National Day on October 12. After many phone calls and some trudging around the city, I have rooms at four different hotels on the various nights we will be here until we fly home.
Rua Franca*
So Wick and Hunter are out there somewhere on the Camino. Watch out España!
It is a very different experience being on my own in a new place. I hope to learn my way around tomorrow, go to the Cathedral, and generally poke around Santiago.
Shops and the big open air market offer up a variety of tastes.*
I would have thought my Camino experience would have been different. I really enjoyed the walking, even though it was very difficult. So to have to quit was disappointing. I guess it's God's best plan to have me here now by myself, and the guys out on the Camino walking separately by themselves. But then none of us are really by ourselves.
I think God wants us to realize that all of life is a pilgrimage whether you're on the Camino or not.
God's blessings,
Helen
*These entries were added Oct. 19 at home.
