Parada de Francos to Santiago de Compostela

Last night’s meal was convivial and this morning I walked the final short leg into Santiago with the Australians. The entry into the city was delightful contrasting with the urban sprawl I walked through last year on the Camino Francés. I left them at the Parque da Alameda and had coffee and churros before walking into the Praza do Obradoiro in front of the cathedral. And to my delight I met the chaps from Leeds who had arrived yesterday, and some of the American group I had walked with on and off.

After deciding not to get my Compostela I did. They’ve changed and updated the process this year and it takes minutes rather than over an hour. Not sure what I’ll do with it, I’m endeavouring to reduce bits of paper not add more.

I checked in to my hotel which is 15 minutes from the cathedral and set out again to recce the bus station for the morning. Seems straightforward and it’s all downhill.

A bit of meandering around and then an early tea where I met a couple from the Southside, we even go to the same gym. They were sussing out Camino routes for next year and were delighted to hear about the company I used who are based in Milngavie.

Back to the cathedral for the Pilgrims Mass and blessing and more familiar faces. We were slightly disappointed that the Botafumeiro wasn’t deployed on this occasion.

The blip is the Cathedral, obvs, taken from the north side which I thought was more interesting. The conventional view is the extra.