2013-10-01 On the way to Santiago de Compostela I slept well despite the strong wind, which could be heard on the mountain. With the snorers, it was not that bad, although the three Estonians were also sleeping in the same room. And after the "miners" had left our room, I got out of my bunk bed and took a wonderful shower. After all, you should be as clean as possible when arriving in Santiago!!!! In earlier times pilgrims washed themselves in a river before they went into Santiago... After eating some cookies and taking my tablets, I left a little after 8:00 AM on the last official 5km (3.1 miles). While walking on the mountain, I could already see Santiago in the semi-darkness. Santiago in the semi-darkness It was a strange feeling when I entered the city of Santiago. All those cars, speeding down the wide streets and through the roundabouts. It was a little bit strange for me after so many weeks. Previously, I had seen cars in the cities, but they were very quiet and not hurrying like they were now. I was a little worried that one of these cars would
not give priority at pedestrian crossings... I had discovered something; when cars sped through a pedestrian crossing First I put my stick in front of me, and that worked fine. In Santiago I missed a sign, and after some questions and after climbing a steep hill, I finally came to the cathedral. It was very impressive.
I was there around 9:30 AM, and went directly to the pilgrims office to pick up my Compostela. After paying a fee of 2 for it and 1 for a tube, everything was settled. I saw that my name was misspelled and I kindly asked if this was accurate. "Yes," replied the young man, who had written the Compostela, but that's your first name in Latin. Katrin shows her Compostela, with Olivia and Nicole My next activity was booking a bus to go back home. After some queries, I found the travel agency where I could book the bus, which travelled directly from Santiago de Compostela to Breda (30 km. 18.5 miles - away from my village) with only one transfer I then went back to the cathedral square and along the way, I met the boy and girl from Germany who had been at Carrion de los Condes, and also talked with Gabi from Germany. I saw the three Estonians again on a square, and they had already poured plenty of yellow fluid down their throats, and were looking at their empty glasses... I had to find lodging for 2 nights. At the travel agency I got a map of Santiago. With this map I found, after wandering for a long time through the city, the Seminario Menor.
Seminario Menor on a hill in Santiago de Compostela This building had once been a training center for priests. A beautiful building on a hill! I was there at 00.30 PM, and in the cellar I ate some bread and used the internet there for my last newsletter. Then I went back to the cathedral, where someone had taken a picture of me that morning. To be safe, I asked a nice lady to take another picture of me in front of the cathedral. I then purchased the necessary cards and stamps at the information desk of the city. I also bought a few small gifts for my wife and myself. Furthermore, I looked around to get an idea what I should buy for the rest of the family tomorrow. Then I entered the cathedral and I took some pictures. Of course, I went behind St. James and embraced him. This too, was a memorable moment.
The silver sarcophagus of St. James Despite it being forbidden, I took a picture of the silver sarcophagus of St. James under the cathedral. I also spent some time in the cathedral to pray. I was interrupted by the man from Malaga, who came to congratulate me. Also staying in the Menor were Michel and Katherine, whom I had met earlier in Melide. I went out with them to eat. Along the way to the restaurant, I met Katrin, Olivia and Nicole from Australia.
From the left to the right : Katrin, Olivia, Katherine, Michel and Nicole We had a very cozy dinner with the six of us. Nicole from Australia was flying tomorrow to Frankfurt, where she planned to meet her parents. She was born in Hong Kong, but lives with her parents in Australia. It was past 11:00 PM when we came back to the Seminario Menor. Subjoined some extra pictures
Staying before the Cathedral He arrived with his dog in Santiago..
A view of Santiago They have no time to do business.