0 km to Santiago
Today was the big day. We marched toward Santiago with the energy we had left.
We woke up, made tea, had our usual breakfast, and set out on foot into a new day. Through small villages, up and down, left and right. No cafés open. No shops in sight. Around 10 AM, we finally found our first coffee.
Ive’s blister had become inflamed – I was worried, especially with a 28 km day ahead. But he didn’t give up. We kept going. We said goodbye to the countryside – stone walls covered in moss, small fields, old homes, and flowing Galician water everywhere.
Eucalyptus trees still lined the way, spreading their calming scent. O Pedrouzo, Lavacolla, Monte do Gozo – all passed in turn. On Monte do Gozo, we caught our first glimpse of Santiago. A monument to John Paul II used to stand here, but it was removed in 2021 for restoration.
We kept walking. The descent began. We saw the “Santiago” sign, then the full “Santiago de Compostela.” A Korean pilgrim took our photo. We were happy. Only 1900 meters left to the cathedral.
We made it. We stood before the cathedral and took photos. Then we went to pick up our Compostelas – the certificates marking the completion of our journey. With them in hand, we searched for a place to stay and found a room along the very path we had walked.
We still couldn’t believe it – no more walking tomorrow. Just time to wander Santiago and take it all in. We’ve decided not to walk to Finisterre – the bus will take us there. We’re too tired.
Our pilgrimage is over, but its effects will stay with us.
With love,
Martina & Ive
P.S. A heartfelt thank-you to Sgeek Jadranka Smiljič for editing and publishing these blog posts. It was a joy working with you.
