Muxia and Santiago de Compostela

We had a wonderful last 2 days in Spain.
Originally we planned to walk to Muxia over 2 days after arriving in Finisterre but shortly before leaving Australia, changed our itinerary to rather have two rest days in Finstere and then take the bus to Muxia instead.

Our lovely host picked us up at our apartment in Finisterre, and dropped us off at the post office to forward our luggage to Muxia. We walked to our favourite little cafe to have breakfast while waiting for the bus. We then decided to buy tickets to Camariñas instead - a little place that is famous for maintaining old traditons - making handmade bobbin lace. We bought a couple of small examples each and had lunch there (met an interesting American lady in the middle of a diabetic meltdown and helped her to get some food into her) and then took the bus back with her to Muxia.

Muxia is a beautiful little coastal town as well. Some peregrinos choose to end their walk here so there are quite a few hostels and restaurants. We managed to get an open restaurant at 7pm and had another scrumptious seafood dinner.

The next morning we caught the 6.15am bus to Santiago and had a laid back morning in Santiago while waiting for the pilgrim mass at noon. We deliberately decided to wait until our very last day and the end of both our caminos to attend. I had never been to a Catholic mass before and wow this was spectacular! And, lo and behold, the botafumeiro was brought into action. Usually this is saved for special occasions like Easter and Christmas but organisations or individuals can pay around $500 and they will then do it. It is a silver thingamajig that hangs from the ceiling that has some sort of fuel with smoke in it and this is pulled by a team of 9 men so it swings to and fro in the cathedral, while some person is singinging and the organ fills the cathedral space. Quite spectacular! Definitely the highlight of the trip. I took a video and will try and figure out a way to share it.

I researched the purpose of the botafumeiro and here goes:
According to the Cathedral, the purpose of the Botafumeiro is: “To symbolise the true attitude of the believer. In the same way that the smoke from the incense rises to the top of the temple's naves, so must the prayers of the pilgrims rise to reach the heart of God.

Then, a very quick lunch at the Parador (converted monastery next to the cathedral) and then off to the airport for our flight to Paris. Realised later I lost my wrist watch on the airport bus. Oh well, another lesson not to attach too much value to earthly goods.
A truly spectacular day and a great way to wrap up our trip to Spain.Read more