Pilgrim service today and a chance to rest

Santiago at night definatley is quite magical. It's a wonderful old town, with cobblestone streets, old stone buildings, filled with wonderful sounds of bells tolling, street musicians and people milling about the square . Last night we celebrated Hugh's birthday and our long anticipated arrival in Santiago with Paella and Rioja wine, not really wanting the little time we had in Santiago to end.

Everyday the Cathedral holds a mass at 12 to celebrate the previous day's arrival of Pilgrims. Although it is entirely in Spanish I was albe to hear when the Priest mentioned us and several of the people we had been priveledge to have met along our journey. I suddenly had the feeling as if being at a wedding, you walk down the aisle and see all these faces you haven't seen in a long time and old friends, waving to them and excited to be there. It was so moving to see all the people we had met at different times on the Camino. Some we may not have known their names and others we had walked many miles with. How we all ended here on the same day was a miracle. We had an emotional reunion with our friend Angie from Australia. We had become separated a few weeks ago and hoped that she may make it to Santiago in time for us to see her before we left.
After the Mass we all gathered in the plaza, celebrated our reunions, congratulations and even a birthday. Some had travelled as far as Belgium or Le Puy! Much more than we had come. Some would continue on to Finisterre, the end of the earth, to feel the Atlantic waters, a 3 day walk from Santiago. We continued the party at lunch with 26 of us taking over a nearby restaurant!

Our goodbyes to Hugh, Tina, John and Thomas was really tough. We wish them the best of health, specially to Thomas, and we know we will see you soon. You all were such a blessing to us on our last days our journey, so thank you for letting us come along on your vacation. and to Angie and Steph we are greateful for our wonderful journey together, may the new road you happen upon be a good one.

Off to see some more of the city and some final goodbyes...