The Road Home – Day 1
Last night I went to the 7:00 Mass in the chapel out on the peninsula. Fabulous. As the priest was raising up communion, the church was flooded with light through the stained glass at the back of the church. The church faces West and the sun broke through the clouds at an ideal moment.
After Mass I sat on the rocks in front of the church watching the ocean and thinking about the trip. Needed to also hand some stresses over to God. As typical, they’re things I had no control over anyway. While sitting there, made the acquaintance of someone who’s apparently a really big fan of cat treats.
I was thinking I’d sit there until sunset but then remembered it sets after 9 in Spain this time of year and didn’t want to sit there for an hour as it was quite breezy.
Headed off to dinner. I really didn’t want a full pilgrim’s menu – so I found a Michelin-listed restaurant that offered a seafood soup. Sounded perfect. A young, healthy Spanish Johnny Depp led me to my table and it was, indeed, fabulous. Just enough. If you’re in Muxia – head here for dinner.
Headed back to the albergue and packed up my stuff. It was time to kiss these shoes goodbye.
Um, not literally – after over 650 miles (including break-in time) they were pretty nasty. When I get back I’m going to write to Nike about collecting dead trail shoes in Santiago. Most shoes are expired by the time they reach the cathedral- and Nike turns them into playground padding. It would be good publicity.
I was awake this morning just after 6 and was out waiting for the bus to Santiago by 7. Was gradually joined by a couple dozen other pilgrims. I still think this is one of the best bargains on the Camino. A 100 minute bus ride that covers about 85+ km – for €6.6 (less than $8). Of course that 100 minutes includes a 5 minute stop for our driver to get out and have an espresso. 😆☕️
Walked back to the cathedral from the bus station as my room is at the monastery around the corner. It was too early to check in but they graciously took my pack into storage so I didn’t have to haul it around.
Was able to get my phone reset to be on my US number again. And treated myself to a new phone case as my old one disintegrated like a worn out rubber-band when they took it off to pop out the Spanish SIM card. Other than that, I can’t think of anything from Santiago I really wanted to take back. I need nothing.
I wandered around the city for a while, enjoying the sites and browsing. Found a street of nice artisan shops but, still, nothing I needed.
When I checked in to my room it was as one might expect, simple but comfortable. Clean.
No frills. €29 and comes with a buffet breakfast. San Martin. Got cleaned up and eventually headed out for another wander. This, hands down, was my favorite attraction of the day.
Not the bagpiper. The little girl who was mesmerized by her. Every now and then she’d dance like only a 2-year-old can. I gave her some pennies to put in the hat. She was SO into it. Such joy. We should all be so easily and fully entertained.
I had more soup for an early dinner. Caldo – a Galician broth with white beans and greens. Perfect.
I’ve checked in for my flights, which start tomorrow afternoon, and will head out to the 7:30 pm Mass around the corner at the cathedral.
More later…