Day 23/38 Pedrouzo - Santiago De Compostela

Nervous anticipation had us up and out at 0645, along with other keen Pilgrims. The first cafe was busy and people were chattering away knowing it was their last day. So many mix emotions, relief, sadness, joy!

We walked well today and had a couple of stops. As we were approximately 20k from the historic Santiago center, most of our walk today was from the outskirts of Santiago. We passed the airport and other industrial areas. We came to Monte de Gozo where there is a large monument and a small chapel where I got my final stamp. My passport now full.

There was a light rain so on came the rain jacket, probably only the second time I have needed it for rain. Very lucky.

Surprisingly it wasn’t like we thought it would be. The road had a scattering of pilgrims heading our way. We approach the historical centre, and were a little confused. For weeks we have been following yellow arrows and Camino shells showing us the way - but suddenly ...... nothing. The city is so steep so we couldn’t be guided by the cathedral steples. We had to ask which way to the cathedral. It was a bit bizarre. We finally found our way .... it was drizzling and everyone was under cover so a little underwhelming and lack of atmosphere. But it was still a great feeling. We took some pics and headed to our accommodation.

After we settled in we headed back to the square for a well deserved drink and then the the place that issues the certificate from our credentials/passport. A two hour wait. We had been warned of this and it wasn’t that bad. We were in line with Steph for Melbourne and a couple from Israel.
Certificates in hand and time for another drink. Steph came along and told us her very sad story and the healing that she is feeling after two months walking. We are continuously humbled by people’s stories.

We went for delicious tapas, pulpos and apple tartin then to bed for a good sleep and SLEEP IN!