Sauntering in Santiago

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Slow walking today. No particular place to go. Simply wake, and let it happen- bliss! The Km0 hostel was comfortable and close to everything.
It has been a while since I have been with so many shuffling and limping pilgrims. Everyone -  I mean ‘everyone’ (myself included) goes down the stairs leading with one foot.

After I (eventually) collected my boots, I checked out and went to breakfast. Had a lovely video call with family, then went exploring. The plaza was quiet . . . 
compared with last night around 10pm, when hundreds of people were in the plaza and nearby streets to cheer on runners (including children and teenagers) on a fun run.
Well, sorry - I missed the crowd because I was enjoying music in a nearby cafe - but they did run past.
Wandering guitarists and choral vocals with a Galician folk groove. Wonderful! That set me in the mood for a fabulous music cafe, called ‘Arume’ I went a few times and played there last November. When I walked in, the owner looked over, smiled and said ‘welcome back’. I felt so at home. 

I stayed to listen to a guitarist/singer from Argentina. He was great - and accompanied by a local lead guitarist who played with me last year. I could have stayed on but I was exhausted - so I headed to the hostel. On the way, I thought I saw a ghost pilgrim (again).
Maybe I did! So this morning, I went to mass at the cathedral.
I was hoping that they would ‘swing the bot’ - a big silver incense burner designed in the olden days to fumigate smelly diseased pilgrims. 
Sadly today, it remained tied up. No one had put the money down - plenary indulgence is alive and well, and as commercial as ever. Onya, Martin Luther!

Mass was moving. I had communion and felt a connection.  I was grateful to go.

Siesta time - I moved into the Seminario Mayor, did laundry, a sort and a repack, and rested in my own room.

Then it was time for Tapas.
My first rest day since Avila has been wonderful.

I am!






Comments

  1. Anonymous9 July 2024 at 02:05

    Well done and enjoy that floating feeling

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous9 July 2024 at 05:54

      Thanks - I have enjoyed relaxing here in Santiago for the last couple of days. Today I start walking to Finisterre - the last leg (why my legs last) On the coast-to-coast journey.

      Delete

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