Day 42 - Rest Day in Santiago

After the emotional journey into Santiago, it was nice to spend another rest day. It was mostly rest, some exploring. The main thing I did was spend time in the Cathedral square, to watch & welcome pilgrims as they finished their own Camino journey. It was also a time where I was able to re-connect with a few pilgrims I had met along the way. I also attended another pilgrim mass in the Cathedral, to witness the swinging of the Botafumeiro once again; and finally to take a roof-top tour of the Cathedral.

I'll keep my comments short, and let my pictures tell the story.....

A little breakfast to start the day. I didn't get a picture of my eggs & bacon, but I had to share this. The cup at lower left is not coffee; it's a cup of melted chocolate that I drank straight up. The breakfast of champions!

A bagpiper greeting pilgrims as they entered the gates into Cathedral square.

A pilgrim in deep contemplation on the completion of her journey. I'll admit it was very moving and emotional watching the pilgrims enter the square and to witness their reactions.

Sharing tears and a hug.

Happiness.

Jumping for joy.

We did it!

Mission accomplished!

One of the tour groups hiking from Sarria. This group from Scotland had a bagpiper with them. They danced in a big circle while the bagpiper played.

Soaking it all in!

Rooftop tour of the Cathedral. Cool views looking up....

and down...

Fellow pilgrims Tanya and Kim from Seattle. I was hoping to witness them enter the Cathedral square, but unfortunately my rooftop tour was booked at the same time they finished. So I greeted them by stashing a bottle of wine in a nifty little hiding place. Congrats Tanya and Kim!

Me and my fellow pilgrim Jackie jumping for joy in a 'day-after' celebration.

Congratulating my fellow pilgrim, Katrin from Germany.

Another mass to witness the swinging of the Botafumeiro. It's almost up to the ceiling. It looks small, but that incense holder is about chest high, and takes 7 people to swing the rope!

An interesting nighttime shadow from a seemingly boring column. Looks like a monk with a backpack!

A fun night of authentic Spanish music & crowd participation, just besides Cathedral square. A great way to end my last night in Santiago, until I return for one last night on May 27th.

Time for bed. Need to rest up for the next phase of my journey, a 4-day hike to Finistierre, the "end of the world"!