Santiago de Compostela

Tuesday 17th

After some sightseeing we returned to the Cathedral to hear ourselves 'read out' as having walked the Camino Inglés. Ourselves and 2 pilgrims from Italy. Several pilgrims from other countries and on other routes, but no others at all from England.

Outside again we found that the celebrations for the Dia de Galicia were taking place, including bagpipes and dancing in local costume.
More sightseeing in the afternoon, including the Cathedral museum and up onto the balony overlooking the square. We had a coffee in the Reyes Catolicos. We have to say that the service is better in the Dakar, who also have a delicious Tarta de Santiago. This evening, while having supper in the Dakar, we actually had a short thunderstorm - the last rain of our Camino and it has all been when we were inside.
We are in the internet cafe again to post this and to book a hotel in Lugo for tomorrow.

So our time on the Camino, for this year, is over. We return home via Lugo, Ribadeo, Oviedo, Llanes and Santander

Los Reyes Catolicos from the Cathedral balcony

Giant shell carving in the Cathedral wall

A statue of San Roque and a Mapa Mundi, both are in the Pilgrims' Museum

Gallego pipes and dancers in the square

Our hostal was at the far end of this old street, Rúa da Algalia de Abaixo.

Monday 16th

We had time to look around Santiago for a while before the Pilgrims´Mass at mid-day. Pilgrims continued to arrive and to walk up the steps, behind the statue of St James, to give him the traditional hug.
The Pilgrims' Mass itself was wonderful. We sat in the nave under the organ and the congregation around us really joined in with the responses. They were taught to us, by the nun who is the cantor, before the service started.

After the service it was time for lunch and siesta, needed as the weather is now quite hot. Then we had time for sightseeing and found an internet cafe. There are very few of these so much will now have to wait until we are actually at home and can fill in the gaps.

Waiting for the service to begin.

There is a pilgrim behind the statue of St James

The organ pipes are horizontal