Champs-Élysées stage (Camino version)

As we make our way to Santiago this morning, I have an image in my head that it will be like the final stage of the Tour de France, with the guys’ jerseys unzipped, passing bottles of champagne back and forth.

Walking versus driving perceptions are so weird. Shortly into the walk this morning, we will skirt the Santiago airport—a place I will need to cab to tomorrow as I make my way to Madrid for my return home—after we pass it, we will still have at least 8 miles to go.

Our last night on the Camino was a bit anti-climactic. Laura and I have often chosen to stay off-stage, in smaller towns, as we go. It’s quieter, which is nice, but doesn’t have as great a selection of hotels and restaurants. Our hotel was great, if odd. There hasn’t been a single human working here the whole time. I was texted codes for the front door and our room and, somehow when we arrived, our packs were magically waiting for us next to our beds. The restaurant across the street is the only one for a few kms, and they know it and they know you’ll take what they give you. Which we did, with minimal grumbling as we reflected fondly on the places that made us feel like members of their extended families.Read more