I’ve used this quote before, but it’s a perfect ending for a pilgrimage.
“It’s your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.” Rumi
I made it! This concludes my fourth Camino and bittersweet arrival in Santiago. Reaching the end of the pilgrimage is always a little complex and emotional. There is some relief that our bodies can rest, a lot of excitement and celebration of a huge accomplishment completed, but there is a piece of me that is always a little sad that it has ended.
Truth be told, I have loved all of my Caminos but this one is probably my favorite so far and it has nothing to do with the walk, the people, the accommodations, or the food. It all has to do with me. I’ve grown and transformed on all of my Caminos but this one was so much different because I started alone and I walked into Santiago alone. I did it myself. I did it exactly the way I wanted to do it. I overcame a lot of hurdles, from blisters causing major pain and delays to a freaking online stalker coming onto the trail and finding me. I still cannot believe that happened. That was absolutely BONKERS but you know what, I handled it, and I am beyond proud of myself.
When I woke up this morning, I leapt out of bed. I was so excited to greet the day and get to Santiago. I didn’t “dilly-dally” around, I did my morning routine and told Sarah and Gabino that I had so much energy I was heading out. It was 6:45 am. I usually leave between 7-7:30 am but I was so happy to get going.
As soon as I got out the door, I looked up and said, “thank you, I really needs this one.” And that’s when I noticed the moon. Now for any of you who know me well, you know I’m always looking for signs and symbols from the Universe. Well, the moon was in its final quarter phase…the ending. Perfect. My Camino is complete.
As I walked, I was so in the moment. I was taking in all the sights, sounds and smells. I thought, I never want to forget this. This Camino has helped me turn a corner not only personally (emotionally and mentally) but even professionally. I am beyond thankful.
The walk this morning was only about 12km but it was gorgeous. It was quiet when I arrived in Santiago. Nobody was milling around, the shops were closed and there was a sense of peace. The Cathedral bell chimed only once just as I entered the square, I looked down at my watch and it was exactly 9:15 am. There were hardly any pilgrims in site because it was so early.
The first thing I did was take a timer selfie. The sun was just right peeking out from behind the church. I couldn’t even see if I was in the frame or not when the self-timer went off but it was perfect. I didn’t even need to take another one.
After my selfie, a kind pilgrim came up and offered to take my photo. I replied, “how much time do you have?” He laughed. I said, “can we do a photo shoot?” He said, “of course, that is my profession.”
Of course it is.
This is Jan from Belgium. He took the two photos you see above. One of me lying on the ground and the other jumping in front of the Cathedral. He did them in one take. ❤️ The Camino always provides.
Just as the photoshoot ended…guess who popped up? HAMMOND! I swear, this guy is like a jack-in-the-box. He came down to the square to see me arrive. He gave me a big welcome hug, we snapped a photo together and grabbed a coffee. I was thrilled to see him again and touched that he made the effort…and bought the coffee and chocolate croissant. What a guy!
After the coffee and another goodbye, I grabbed my Compostela and then booked it back to the square to see everyone else as they came in. Louise from New Zealand showed up too! She arrived the day before.
We went over to the fancy 5-star hotel, The Hospital Real, to have drinks and celebrate! Don’t worry, they even welcome the stinky pilgrims to drink in the lounge.
We split up for lunch. Not everyone wanted the same food. Mee Ling invited the group to an authentic Chinese meal at Asia 2018. I had been craving Chinese food for two days so I jumped at the offer. Louise joined in on the fun as well.
I haven’t mentioned Mee Ling yet because I haven’t been around her much but she is from Malaysia and she is fun, and kind, and sweet, and funny. The positive characteristics that describe Mee Ling are long.
Well, let me tell you, this was truly authentic and one of the most amazing meals I’ve ever eaten. We met the chef and another pilgrim named Raymond. Everybody (knows and) loves Raymond. He set up the Malaysian Facebook group for the Camino and is a major resource for pilgrims from Asia. It was an honor to be invited and dine with them.
Today was full of so much emotion AND celebration. I was getting tired so I checked into my accommodation, showered and rested for about a hour before I received a text to meet Caroline from Canada and the Wild Aussie women, Mary and Cheryl. I invited Louise as well, you know since she is from that part of the world. Turns out, they had all met before! They didn’t realize it until about 30 minutes into the conversation but they had actually spoken to each other in the Sydney airport on their way to Portugal to hike the Camino. And they are all on the same flight home. Ha!
With this Camino, I feel like I’ve let go of some old limiting beliefs and habits. I’ve moved on from some relationships that no longer mesh. And I’ve really stepped into my own power. I feel that I’ve closed out another chapter in My Life’s book and it’s time to turn the page.
Onward and upward.
After today, I feel like I am capable of anything! I’m ready to fly. It was one of the best days of my life and I hope to remember this feeling always. 🙏
At some (not all) of the Masses at the Cathedral in Santiago, they will swing the Botafumeiro (the large incense burner). If you have never seen it, definitely watch this video. Even if you aren’t a “churchy person” this is a beautiful tradition and ceremony. I was told they originally did this to cover up the stinky smell of the pilgrims in “the olden days.” I took this video in June of 2022 after hiking the Norte. I went to six different church services over three different Caminos to finally see if for myself and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
On a much lighter note. I made a parody video. I spent so much time hiking alone that my creativity went wild.
Y’all, I probably need more friends.
I caught a glimpse of myself wearing my poncho in a full-length mirror and I was a.) horrified but b.) also giggling at the ridiculousness of it. I thought, what if the Met Gala had a hiking theme and I wore the Blue Beast as my ballgown. I could have outfit changes and accessories like trekking poles, just like the celebs but the “outdoorsy girl” version. So I did a photo shoot and walked the boardwalk. “Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it.” Vogue.
I’m going to take a few days off to relax and enjoy my accomplishment. When I land in my next spot, I’ll be back to tell you about it. Thank you so much for following along. It means the world to me that I get to share my experiences around the globe with each of you. ❤️🙏🌍
Oh, one more thing. Guess what crossed my path a few kilometers before reaching Santiago? A bunny rabbit. I looked up the spiritual meaning of one crossing a person’s path…new beginnings. It’s a sign! ❤️
Goodnight and much love & gratitude from Santiago! 🇪🇸
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Scenes from Day 39
This was the first mirror I saw for the final TMS. It was still covered with dew. Luckily I could reach high enough to wipe it off so you could see my face.
I left so early (and it was technically Sunday) that everything was closed as I walk through the towns.
View from my room at the monastery.
