Well, that very odd feeling of being alone in a bustling city is here again. Very strange after being in the company of new but much appreciated friends for so long.
Yesterday morning (Saturday) Olivier and I stowed our backpacks in the hold and clambered onto the coach from Finisterre to Santiago. He stayed in a small hotel immediately off the Praza de Obradoiro whilst I checked into the albergue ‘The Last Stamp’ once again.
In my excitement about the last day’s walk I forgot to mention that I came across both Swiss Peter and the German ‘chuckle brothers’ on my way to the coast. When I thnk about all those people that stayed in the albergue the previous night and that I only saw a couple of them en route, and yet I saw these guys that I had spent time with a week or so before – it’s quite a coincidence. And then this morning, just after I had met with Olivier for a spot of breakfast I bumped straight into my favourite Austrian woman and her husband who had walked to Muxia and returned to Santiago on this morning’s bus. So now I have seen almost everyone with whom I spent camino moments, except, sadly Aase, but she sent me a message today and I was very pleased to see that.
The chocolate and churros I had planned for my breakfast weren’t forthcoming because my favourite cafe was closed, so we wandered round to the area by the food market and found a nice bar for a coffee and cola cao, and then we stayed for a glass of wine. Olivier then decided he would like to try another type of wine and then another. At Bar Pepe a plateful of tapas is served with each drink and I was soon feeling full and not a little lightheaded – before 1pm. And then it was time to walk my friend to the bus stop and bid him farewell. Of all the people I have met on this camino, Olivier was definitely the hardest to communicate with, having to converse in Spanish could be very tiring, occasionally frustrating, and often hilarious. He has plans to visit Andalucia with a friend in August and I think I may have tempted him to pay me a visit by telling him about Cómpeta’s annual wine fiesta ‘La Noche del Vino’. If free wine, food and music can’t tempt and French man, I don’t know what can.
As I returned from the bus stop I came upon a drumming group numbering not far off 100 drummers. I love the sound of drums and stood around watching them for a very long time. The charismatic conductor was jumping all over the place and it was impossible not to be mesmerised, even for the very young. The group is called Batebatuke – take a look at the link – I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
I then met up with Janet, an Australian woman who has been walking in Europe for the best part of a year. We are members of the same pilgrim internet forum. She is involved with the ‘amigos’ in Australia and is giving a speech at an international amigos conference taking place next week.
Then it was time for a siesta. All the time I was walking, I don’t remember needing a siesta even once, but now I have stopped I am exhausted. It is normal and I remember feeling the same last year. But now I realise that poor Olivier was feeling just like this when I arrived in Finisterre full of energy and dragged him up to the lighthouse. No wonder he lagged behind. I should feel guilty, but I don’t at all.
So now all my friends have departed and I’m not really interested in trying to make any new ones. Luckily I am sharing my cubicle for four with a mother and daughter and another woman, who all seem very quiet. And they are here for another night, as I am, so hopefully I will be able to catch up on my sleep before flying home on Tuesday.
I had originally planned to take a bus up to the north coast for a couple of days, but the weather has turned very dull and I don’t really fancy a big unfamiliar city. I feel quite comfortable here amongst the ‘circus’ of excited arriving pilgrims and tourist groups. But I shall be very, very glad to return home.
Quick update – I went out for some fresh air this evening and came across the delightful Christian, a young German guy who I have met a few times and then we saw Dutch Marga who I haven’t seen for a couple of weeks. It was lovely to see them both and when Christian went off to do some sketching from the park, Marga and I went for drink. This camino keeps on keeping on.
Please stick around for a few more camino related posts over the next few weeks. And thank you so much for all the encouraging and humorous comments, and for the great support I have received from so many people that I have never met but who feel like true friends.
Trepidatious traveller - camino blog 
Thanks for all your posts. Helped shorten my April and May😀
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Hope you can catch up on some sleep and enjoy your first night in your own bed when you get home. Another great experience for you Maggie. Well done. xxx
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I think your a magnet for Pilgrims! I can imagine you and David sitting on your terrace in Canillas one evening next week when Jesus and Mary roll up at your door, then the Austrian couple, then Paul……..! Then me!!!!! We will be here whenever you blog!
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Well, I’ve already made friends with Jesus and Mary (Maria) on Facebook, so I am seeing them from time to time. But I would love to meet up with you if ever you are in the area…
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Well done Maggie,
I am lost for words to describe what I feel for your achievement. I will attend a milonga party on Saturday and will dedicate the best Tango for you.
Tony
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Thanks Tony. I am going to have to google ‘milonga’ – but it sounds fun. I’m looking forward to seeing you dance some time, or even joining you for some simple steps. We’ve danced the weekend away here – three live music events in three days – we are very spoilt here!
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Well done Maggie…I have followed you all the way reading your blog over my breakfast. I am quite sad this morning that the end has come but no doubt you’ll be back in the future. Many thanks Lyn
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Yes Lyn, you won’t get rid of me that easily. I shall still join you for breakfast from time to time – hope I don’t give you indigestion!
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Maggie, I loved reading about all the connections with fellow pilgrims. And what luck to see them all again. I was afraid that the Vdlp might be a little lonely if not many pilgrims are on it. Your personality probably had a lot to do with how you attracted other pilgrims. Hope I will have even half of your ability to get along with others. This is your third camino from what I can tell. Will there be more? Would you do one over again? Never got the story of how you are living in Spain. I wish you well on your journey home. Hope to be enjoying another one of your blogs in the future!
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Maybe one more next year if time allows – El Norte perhaps. I don’t think I would repeat a camino as there are so many left to walk. I was lucky with the people I met this year – those around you have an enormous effect on your experience. I am not actually a great mixer, and could always put my head down to write my blog if I felt out of place. But in truth I have grown accustomed to walking into places on my own, which would have been very hard for me previously. I have definitely grown more confident with each camino.
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I’ve loved every moment of your amazing journey. Thanks so much for sharing it. Now to read your previous blogs! Thanks too to Digame for the introduction.
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Thank you Bridget. Yes, what a wonderful resource Digame is.
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Maggie, I don’t care how you slice it or dice it, you ROCK. You should be the new Iron Lady of GB. I have been spellbound with each post and dazzled by your pictures. I am humbled by your achievement and in awe of your determination. If you’re by chance walking the French Way in May/June of next year, look for me and friend Craig. We will be the 2 old guys having way too much fun while sober.
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You’ve given me a lot to live up to there Tony. Thank you for such a generous comment. I would love to bump into you on camino – maybe in Santiago – who knows. Although I have sadly missed two blogging pilgrim friends this year by one day each. A real shame.
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The end may be near, but there is no mistaking the excitement of your descent onto the familiar–home. :
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Thamks, Margie for your Camino blog. Reading it everyday i felt like I was walking with you. Hope you have a safe trip home and enjoy resting after walking from “sea to shining sea”. Since seeing all the beautiful flowers you postrd I have started to watch flowers more. Thamks.
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Thanks Conchy. The flowers here in Spain are stunning – there is something beautiful to look at all year.
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Many thanks Maggie for the endless hours of entertainment. I’m filled with admiration and love for you and your achievement. Safe home and have a wonderful Summer. Love Mary xxx
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Thanks for a great blog. Well done on completing this Camino. See you soon.
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Thank you for the play by play of your journey. I start on Saturday and look forward to re-reading your enlightenments as a guide as I go 🙂
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I wish you as great a camino as I have had and thank you for your support during my adventure. I hope you enjoyed your spanish course, although french would have been more useful for me. The great tide from France may have subsided a little by now. Whatever language you use I wish you a wonderful experience. Do let me know how it goes – Maggie
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A wonderful journey has ended and I will definitely miss your entertaining accounts and wonderful descriptions of land and people, and your “wicked” British humour on top of it all. Looking forward to following you on your next journey wherever it may be.
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Thank you so much for your wonderful blogs, making me feel like I was with you in some of those fantastic photographs. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Cindy xxx
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What a lovely way to end this Camino. Friends met and made on the trails break bread, share a glass of wine and swap stories once again. ‘Parting is such sweet sorrow.’ Still, the memory of it all will stay with you and all of us who vicariously experienced the journey alongside you. Hats off to you! 🎉. 💥. 👌. 💐
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Hi there,have loved your blog,can’t wait for August when I start the same journey. I have done the Camino Frances a few times so this journey will I am sure (according to your blog) will be a new adventure..All the best to yo and thanks once again for your blog,Tony, Wales U.K.
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Are you walking the Mozárabe Tony? August will be very hot. I usually hide inside the house with the AC going in August. A wet scarf around the neck and over the head works wonders n the heat. Buen camino to you.
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You will never forget the Camino , I did it in 1994 ,it still haunts me
it’s ironic that I’ve come across your blog only now you’ve finished!I also l
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Hi Tony. This camino was an amazing experience. I was so very lucky to meet such amazing people along the way. It will stay with me forever. I’m glad to have stirred up some memories for you.
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Hola Maggie
He encontrado tu Blog. Me alegro leer de tu viaje. Que sabes no sé inglés por eso te escribo en español. Me ha encantado conocer a ti en los ulimos días del camino. Te deseo otros caminos impresionante. Tu SWISS PETER
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Hola Peter. Es muy agradable oir de tu. Yo recuerdo te vi el ultima dia hasta Finisterre.
Mi amigo Paul y Wilfried se reunieron en Porto después del camino. Para me fue un camino muy especial – muchas personas muy buenas y tiempo perfecto. Muchas gracias por su mensaje
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Hi Maggie I’m still waiting for your round up of the Camino and whether you are planning to do another one? Hope you had a great Summer and didn’t find it too hot. much love Mary xx
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