Arrival in Santiago

After 31 days of walking and a final push of 19 kms today, I arrived this morning in Santiago. My 5 am departure meant that I could be in the city by mid-morning. 

After nearly 500 miles of walking, I had made it. Around each turn in the city, I was waiting to get a glimpse of the cathedral, the official end point of my Camino. Due to my excitement, no breaks this morning. I know there would be plenty of time for coffee and breakfast after I got there.

Walking through the city was bittersweet. Although I never had any doubts about making it, I wasn't quite sure how I would feel once I got there and finished this once in a lifetime journey on the Way of Saint James. It didn't disappoint! Every step, even the ones that hurt due to my blisters was worth it.

Familiar faces from the past month arrived the same day I did. Considering the number of pilgrims and tourists in Santiago, it was nice to be able to celebrate the end of the journey with friends.

Of course, I am most grateful to Saint James or Santiago for having had the privilege and opportunity of tracing the steps that so many other pilgrims had taken over the past millennium.