James who?

Well, we did it! 827km!

It’s been a bit of a shock being shot out of the relative isolation of the Northern Camino into the chaos of many Camino’s meeting together at Santiago De Compostela. There are thousands of people everywhere and souvenirs and drunk people and noise and all of a sudden it’s all a bit overwhelming. 

The magic and beauty however is in reuniting with all those people we have seen along the way. Everyone is there, we bump into them on every corner and there are hugs and laughing and just so much joy. I somehow even scored myself a cheeky marriage proposal. 

I went to the cathedral, much of it is under construction and covered in tarps so it’s like walking through a weird tent built about a billion years ago. The altar remains open for viewing and it is a sight to behold. It’s a golden glory I could not have imagined. I lined up to walk through the altar and I am sandwiched in the line between two groups of Spanish people (mum was outside holding our packs). I wait, and wait and wait! Then we go through....and everyone in front of me is hugging this golden statue covered in gems. And I think to myself, gosh Spanish people are a bit different, and I walk on through. The minute my foot left that altar it clicked, that was the statue of Saint James. I fucked up, I walked 827km to hug a statue and I forgot to hug the statue. But don’t worry, I went back again with mum for a proper hug. 

Laura