28/05/26 – Recreative Day in Santiago de Compostela and some final thoughts and photos.

30 May
I stopped here years ago and a Portuguese Pelegrina took my photo, below, by the Sampaio bridge.
A poncho saved from a New York City open top bus tour.

Once you reach the end of the Camino de Santiago, is it really over?

“It does not matter the route you have chosen to do the Camino de Santiago. There are many routes to follow the path that take us to the same point, the clear destination being to reach Santiago. However, what happens with many pilgrims is not knowing what to do. What to do once they reach the end of the path, that moment in which, after walking for hours, they reach the end point, feeling that from there on out There is only one continuation and it is the return home.

After all the experience lived on the road, after completing the journey, after discovering the magic present in nature, it simply seems that everything is over. However, it is the moment in which new plans begin, when on many occasions pilgrims consider what will be their future. your next route or if, finally, once you have finished the journey, it is time to put in order all those thoughts that have arisen during the journey to implement them in your daily life. Each pilgrim lives the experience of the Camino de Santiago in a completely unique way.”

THE ABOVE PASSAGE WAS TAKEN FROM THE ASSOCIATION BELOW

The above pretty much captures it for me, though I should add what a privilege it is too.
Being of vintage years means you are constantly being overtaken by other, often much younger Pelegrinos – I take time to smell the flowers.
From a few days ago.
This banner is hung across the entrance to the famous Alameda park. I have noticed in Galicia there is some real “political awareness” demonstrated not just by individuals, but by local councils too.
THURSDAY
Waking up and realising that you don’t have to pack!
Leisurely breakfast,a stroll along fondly remembered streets and noticing how much brighter and replete with Camino momentoes the shops are,even compared with two years ago.

We all met up at 11 .00 in the cathedral square for a group photo and then walked down to the Pilgrim office to obtain our Compostelas.

This was easy as we were directed as a group, to a purposely designed section. An attendant took us to one of the many computers available where we entered basic information . A ticket was produced which we took to the counter. Our pilgrim passports ( collected earlier ) were returned to us, with a final stamp and our Compostelas. We purchased the tubes for €2.00 ,rolled up the Compostelas and we were on our way.

Passed a cool fountain just before the exit.

Sharon’s arrangement of our Compostelas and 😎

Tinto Verano has become a firm favourite.
€18.oo on the terrace at Romero’s

The Alameda is a green oasis and behind it has been erected an enormous wheel – great way to see all the sights I should think.

We had our “ sights” set on a pair of sisters.

It is entitled the “ The Two Marias” 

So after a couple of poses, a fellow Pelegrina took this group photo and we remembered our own two Pelegrina-sisters who returned home a few days earlier, for work reasons,Anita  and Maggie”.

AN ASSORTMENT OF MEMORABLE SCENES FROM THE GROUP

Acoustic singing in a tiny square in S de C.
Rob,Mike and Dave on the path.
A chapel typical of those found on the Camino in Galicia.
A Cruceiro in front of an imposing Vivienda on the river Douro.
Excuse my back…
An impressive gateway
Another enviable, riverside dwelling.
Smile for the camera
Resisted the temptation to buy it
So many sculptures along the Camino
Rob playing the piano in Vila Nova – aptly named as we celebrated Aston Villa’s European triumph .
First night in Porto
Lots of waterways in Galicia
Horreos and a sunny crew

Hi John, we have loved joining you on the Camino and it is special to be part of an amazing Group 😀🏃‍♀️
I am so glad to have been able to walk with Maggie from Viana to Vila Nova de Cerveira – that feels very special 😀

Hi All, hope your journeys home went smoothly and you’ve arrived safely. Our bus journey to Porto was fine and found our Airbnb. Thank you again for a wonderful Camino. David and Rita 🏃‍♀️😀

All together now….Thanks for sharing the photos. Muchas Gracias to all the Camigos for their company,consideration,good humour, perseverance and willing to try things new – it was a pleasure to walk ( usually behind ) them!
Home and my David Austin “ PILGRIM “ rose in ascendancy.

Leave a comment