Alameda Park

Out the door for sunrise.

Although you wouldn’t know it. Fog everywhere.

I venture back to the Camino. Out of the mist I see a female pilgrim overtake, briefly asking if I’m okay because I’m limping.

I only see a few others for the first hour.

The roads a little creepy with the fog. Passing an electricity station, I think, the frazzle of light rain hitting the lines cause a buzzing.

The mist is a might fine metaphor for my final day on the Camino. Symbolising the not knowing of what comes next, just being aware of the present.

I am still unsure as to what the Camino has become for me. It’s certainly more than the reasons I set out for. The destination has become part of the journey, for me.

The pain arrives, as I’m in the woodland. And now more pilgrims are coming.

But it’s okay. It’s about me now. And I will get there.

And I keep thinking of how it will be over soon, and try to keep present of all that’s around me. Mostly aware of the fog.

The sun starts creeping through the fog. And it casts a sepia glow, highlighting shadows of the buildings up ahead in Santiago.

I enter the city. It’s not the most charming of homestretches. Mostly urban sprawl. But I keep determined. And I arrive on the cobbled streets that take me somehow up to the Cathedral. But the arrows have gone now, and I while I start to see the turrets, my mind starts to work out if I am going to the right spot, will I end up behind it?

There’s no grand entrance, arriving this side, you just become aware you’re here.

Tears form. And I have a moment. Suddenly aware I did it.

I am here.

And it is grand. There’s a sense of awe for sure.

I head back to the cloisters to take it all in.

Make sure Hubba gets his view too.

While I’m there. I see two people from the Camino.

The man who was helping everyone with the locked toilet at Albergue Albor, 2 nights ago. And Mike and his wife. I give them both a hug and take a picture.

While sitting. A man comes over to chat, he’s done the French way. And he talks about how meaningful the Camino has become, and you can tell he’s emotional. He helps me find my way to the pilgrim office.

He makes sure I get in okay. I register and get my certificate, in honour of my mum.

I then find a place for an orange juice before heading to my hotel.

I take a long snooze and then head out to see the Basillica. I don’t spent too long as it’s heaving with people ready for the mass. I resolve I’m coming back tomorrow to have the time with the space myself. And to head out the door with the reverse alpha and omega, signifying my transformation.

I grab a lil pizza and sit outside. Twas cold, but I had a sangria to celebrate.

And then I drifted back to the hotel.

Where I dreamt vividly that my Camino wasn’t over and I still need to walk…Leer más