Camino de Santiago: Arrived at Santiago de Compostela
April 29, 2024/
Lavacolla, traditionally the last stop for pilgrims before Santiago. Beautiful little church, felt a strong sense of gratitude for my parents, for being alive.
There is a lovely fluidity to days on the Camino. This was the case right up to my last walking day.
O’Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela – 20.1 km
I met new people (Irish and Italian), hopscotched along to the same café breaks as my Japanese friend (as if there was a homing device in our bracelets) and the gathering of pilgrim friends in Plaza del Obradoiro was absolutely delightful as we discovered connections between us that we did not realize. But of course, we were all connected.
Happy pilgrim reunion! Julia (U.S.), me, Grainne (Northern Ireland), Gudrun (Germany), Joe (Northern Ireland), Jude (Australia)
I had a smile on my face all day. Thrilled, happy, and grateful to have arrived at Santiago de Compostela.
Above, immediately on arrival, yeah! Lots of smiles as we all arrived – below with Gabriel (Ireland), Guiseppe (Italy), Rachel (New Zealand), Katie (Wisconsin), Marie (Belgium), Gudrun (Germany), Mieko (Japan), and Joe and Grainna (Northern Ireland)
This was my second evening in Santiago and last night on the Camino. Great dinner in dining hall of Monastery San Martiño Pinario – counter clockwise above with Julie (Belgium), Sue (West Coast), Adam (Missouri) and his Dad. I walked home through Plaza del Obradoiro one last time…to the sound of Galician bagpipes perpetually playing.
Dearest Andrea!
I have enjoyed your journey on the Camino de Santiago from my comfortable chair here in Burlington. Seeing your scenery shots and the final destination of the beautiful Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela were incredible and poignant. But best of all is your last post – photos of you with others who you met along the way. You make your mom and everyone who knows you proud…and Canada as well. Well done and congratulations to you and those other friendly pilgrims!
Is it too soon to ask what your next destination might be?
Linda xo
Congratulations on completing the Camino .
I have read all your blogs .
What a great experience .
I know you will cherish all those memories forever .
I know George treasures his time on the trail .
It’s the people you meet along the way which makes it the most memorable .
I wish now that I had taken the opportunity to walk a small section of it .
Enjoy your well earned rest in Madrid
Maureen
5 Comments
Carol sanders
Smiles says it all- a lovely group of people
Linda Ploen
Dearest Andrea!
I have enjoyed your journey on the Camino de Santiago from my comfortable chair here in Burlington. Seeing your scenery shots and the final destination of the beautiful Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela were incredible and poignant. But best of all is your last post – photos of you with others who you met along the way. You make your mom and everyone who knows you proud…and Canada as well. Well done and congratulations to you and those other friendly pilgrims!
Is it too soon to ask what your next destination might be?
Linda xo
Andrea_bruce
Hi Linda! I don’t know what the next destination will be but I doubt this is my last Camino 😉
Maureen Grieve
Congratulations on completing the Camino .
I have read all your blogs .
What a great experience .
I know you will cherish all those memories forever .
I know George treasures his time on the trail .
It’s the people you meet along the way which makes it the most memorable .
I wish now that I had taken the opportunity to walk a small section of it .
Enjoy your well earned rest in Madrid
Maureen
Andrea_bruce
Thanks Maureen, I feel lucky to have met all these wonderful people, definitely an integral part of my experience.