Pilgrim mass(es)

I've been fairly picky and contrarian about which of the religious parts of this whole thing I participate in, and I've tried not to let the word "should" weasel its way in there.

Midday pilgrim mass in the SdC cathedral made the cut. I bloody LOVE the shaking hands bit. The rest was all honesty boring and long and uncomfortable. Nowhere near as inclusive and gentle as O'Cebriero but to be fair SdC are the big dogs and can do what they like. Maybe it was and I just couldn't understand the mumbling ancient priest.

Place was packed. I was perched on a tiny ledge of a stone pillar base and spent most of the hour wishing we could make a decision on standing or sitting because either is fine but my back has strong feelings about the transition. You very strictly could not take photos during mass and there were roaming security guards to make sure of this.

Lining up for the tomb of St James did not make the cut. I zipped out of there and past the queue outside waiting to join the one inside, taking the stairs two at a time, to show off.Read more