Pilgrims Mass

Our farmhouse hotel

Casa De Casal is a beautiful oasis away from the busy city of Santiago. Its been nice to go there every night and relax. We are about 16k outside the city in a renovated farmhouse that is owned by a family that still lives on the property and is run by Patricia the daughter. She drives us to the bus stop each morning and picks us up each evening. Since the bus is only 1€ its really a great deal.

Cassie gets greeted by the pets of the place every time she goes outside. She is still a magnet for all furry creatures.

Reunions with other pilgrims

Its been wonderful each day seeing my Camino friends come into the city. We have coffee,  talk, tell our stories of what happened since we last walked together and kind of debrief as we try to comprehend what we just accomplished together.

My baby girl!!!

Cassie arrived Tuesday afternoon. I was so happy to see my baby girl I cried. I'm so glad to share this next week and a half with her.

The dress

The dress I bought my first day in Santiago. I just wanted to look like a girl again after all that.

Santiago!!!

We started out much happier than the day before, probably from the excitement of being so close. Betzabe met us on the way and it was so good to see one more of my original Camino family. We walked together, the three of us rather slowly, catching up on everything we could about the time we walked separately. Beginning and end.

I still hadn't made up my mind about whether to go straight into Santiago or not but to let God lead the way on that one. By the time we got to Monte Gozo I knew I was going to sleep in Santiago. It was rainy and the place looked like big warehouses for housing people. Not a place for reflection at all.

Walking into the city was not what anyone expects. It just another city with industry and businesses. We had to walk about another hour before we got to the cathedral. It was beautiful. There is a bag piper playing in the tunnel going to the cathedral and I started crying. We were all very emotional. Since we missed Pilgrim's mass at noon I'm going today after I meet with Nate and faith, two missionaries starting a welcome center near the cathedral.

We took pictures and hugged friends from the Way and then stood in line for our Compostela at the Pilgrims Office. Its official and I have the certificate to prove it.

After, we dropped our packs off at an albergue and headed out for lunch with some of Betzabes friends. Since on is from the area she ordered for us and we shared a delicious sea food meal filled with things I never thought I'd try. 

Then us girls went shopping. After looking around a bit I found a dress and accessories. I have been dreaming for weeks now about looking feminine again. Its hard to explain but I just needed that little boost after days and days of walking and hurting.

We went out last night and had a drink with a show. The entire bowl was set on fire for about twenty minutes before we could drink it. Fun and delicious.

Today after meeting the Nate and Faith and greeting other friends at the cathedral,  I get to pick up my baby girl from the airport. I'm so excited to see her. Its going to be an emotional day.

Burn Camino!!