Day 42 - Sight seeing in Santiago

I farewelled Karen this morning as she set off on foot for Finisterre & Muxia - around 115kms over another 5 days. I was relieved not to be walking but at the same time envious to be hiking again back out into nature!

Karen was there for me back in the beginning, helping me when I was sick as a dog! It's been an incredible journey & I'm very grateful that our paths have crossed! We've taught each other many lessons too! - I'm thinking we may pop in for a visit next year when we're in Italy since Switzerland is just over the border! 🤞

As I headed back to the hotel room, I noticed a man with a huge cart and a dog. He was holding a sign saying 'free hugs' ... actually, I saw him yesterday too, but I didn't even consider doing what I did next.... I went up and gave him a hug! 💚 I made the comment to him ... 'nobody is stopping for you'
and he said...
'It's not about the ones who don't stop. It's about the ones that do!' Cue the 'sweaty eyes' 😭

I talked to him for quite some time, patted his dog Pauline 🐾 and found out he's german and on his way to Rome. He counts the hugs he gets every day (he said to keep his mind active), and his goal is 10,000! I asked him his name and lo & behold it was 'Kai' 🫶

I met my friend Jacinda from Maine, USA, for lunch, and we had lots of laughs over a couple of gin & tonics at this amazing Cafe right across from the Cathedral. It was such a memorable afternoon! Then we went for a little shop (probs not a good idea when you're tipsy 🤪) and I bought an Amber ring, a turquoise bracelet & this cool piece of wooden pilgrim art (🤞 for customs!)

I then treated myself to a delightful 90min massage and then later caught up with some aussie & kiwi friends for a wee bit before hitting the hay!

The photos are a bit light on today, but I'm going to 'the end of the world tomorrow' on the bus, so I will surely make up for it!Read more