May 1, 2014 Lavacolla to Santiago de Compostela

We made it to Santiago...without a single blister. The secret? Vaseline on your feet. Lots of it.

Today's walk was relatively easy with a single uphill culminating at the summit of Monte de Gozo or Hill of Joy. This is the point at which one sees the cathedral at the distance although, to be honest, I could not see it. 

At the Monte de Gozo we met with a choir group that came together for a group pic in front of the monument. They sung a piece that I was able to record and will post on YouTube when time permits. A  really special moment.

At our next coffee stop we saw people on stilts who were from Italy, Teatro del Ramino. This was at the outskirts of the city that we saw them, and from there they walked all the way to the cathedral on stilts and attended the 12:00 Mass on stilts. The Mass was jammed packed since today is a holiday - Labor Day, and it was quite emotional to see all the pilgrims along the way whom we had talked to and were now at the Mass as well. 

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela truly is just beautiful but people that come to do the Camino are from all over the world. They start in many different parts of Europe. Outside the cathedral are also all the pilgrims gathered at the plaza to talk and rejoice - something I'll never forget.

 Of course getting our certificates showing that we completed the walk was just as gratifying as last year.

Pics:

The last day starts

Soo greener

How to walk the camino doing less steps

Entering the city

So good

Indeed!

Mission accomplished !!!!

After our journey and diploma we checked in to our hotel - the Parador of Santiago right across the cathedral. If ever you get a chance, stay in a Parador which are unique castles, places in Spain that have been converted into hotels and are truly remarkable for their beauty and location.

The Parador of Santiago is over 500 years old and is considered one of the world's oldest hotels. Known in days as a royal hospital, the Catholic Monarchs ordered it to be built in 1499 and restore the battered bodies of the pilgrims who triumphed over the last stage of the Way of Saint James (El Camino). It is beautiful in it's architecture and layout and welcomes you to experience the magnificence of a unique city and World Heritage Site. Do visit Santiago de Compostela in Spain,  it will be a wonderful,  uplifting experience.