Camino de Santiago - Day 11

Poente-Ulla to Santiago de Compostella - 15.5 miles

It was a gorgeous morning, a warm day and a long but very rewarding journey. This was the DAY, Santiago was only 12 miles away, I had a spring in my step and a massive smile on my face. Inflamed feel be damned :).

1 hour into my journey, Jose from Belgium, joined me and we chatted all the way to Santiago. We walked through forests, passed some lovely hamlets, and dunked my feet in freezing cold streams but once we noticed the cathedral towers everything became real and very, very special. After 11 days, 170+ miles, the pain, the sweat and the struggle came to an end. Just on the outskirts of Santiago we met the siblings from Portugal, Paula and her brother, that I had breakfast with and we entered the centre together. The main square was absolutely littered with pilgrims from all over the place, cheering and hugging each other - the words "We Did It" could not only be heard but felt - it was a fantastic feeling to be part of it. Getting my Compostella (Pilgrim certificate) was a moment I'll never forget. I am very proud to have done the Camino, now I am officially a certified pilgrim. WHAT an amazing journey.

Watching the swinging of the Botafumerio in the cathedral was just beautiful. We celebrated into the early hours, aka 1 am (yes, that is very late after a long journey) with the most amazing dinner. Thank you Jose and Paula for making it extra special.

​I feel blessed to have been able to do this, definitely one for the books.