Compostela

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I arrived!
I just kind of walked in this morning. I stayed in an albergue (hostel) last night which was a mere 5km from the final destination, the cathedral of Santiago. I walked in alone and surrounded by others and felt simple and quiet. It was a nice, relaxing, non-dramatic "finish". I don´t really comprehend what has happened. Its been both profound and ordinary.
Now I´ll stay here today and tomorrow and just enjoy seeing familiar faces I´ve met along the way as they pop in, one by one. This morning I went into the cathedral to witness the Sunday mass. Just sat there and flipped through my guide book, contemplating the different cities and roads I´d walked, and the various stories that came with them. I could just sit lost in thought, going through it, for hours. Some sentimentality, of course. And some fatigue. And some looking forward to the transition in trains, buses and airplanes.
Tomorrow or the next day I´ll take a bus to Finisterra which is the edge of Spain and be near the ocean. Some pilgrims walk all the way there and ritually burn their shoes. I don´t have time to do this, so I´ll take the bus.
So that is that.
I might continue writing on this as I make my return, but maybe not. We´ll see. I appreciate having this blog to record some of my thoughts and experiences. I hope it was enjoyed!
See some of your really soon....

DREW

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Comments

[Ayal]

the experience beyond the words
no words can truly describe a flower. no moment can really equal the present, of the present, when being present. thank yourself Drew for allowing yourself to take the time to... walk. :) and sleep. and see and smell and talk and touch and wonder. and wander about. lots of love. the big apple awaits a bite. peace :)

[anna]

Well done! Bravo! bravo!
Eager to know the 3 most important things/items, bits of wisdom, you learned. ab/ox

[Claudia]

Amazing
I am remembering the day - sometime in the middle of June- when you and I walked for 1 1/2 miles, with your backpack on your back, in Nontron, so you could "try it out". You were deciding then, how you wanted to spend your weeks in Europe...you wanted to do the camino but you were suren't sure. It is absolutely unbelieveable that you have been walking for a month... You did it! The blogs have been amazing and yet there are surely so many more stories and thoughts yet to surface. I hope I get a glimpse of some of it along the way, during the days and weeks and months ahead. An easy re-entry to you- one day at a time, one moment at a time, one step at a time. Much love, Mom