Thanks so much to everyone for all the supportive comments. They are really very much appreciated. 

Santiago day 1

After enjoying the included breakfast at the hospidaria we wandered over to the food market where Mikey bought yet another mango. And then visited the Pilgrims’ Office to collect our Compostelas. The system here has changed since I last collected one. There are now computers in an anteroom where you input your details and are then issued a ticket with a number and take your place in a queue until your number is called. There was no queue and we were able to walk right in and claim the Compostela. Mikey also requested a distance certificate. 

Next stop – the cathedral for the pilgrims’ mass. Things have also changed a lot since I was last here. There’s now a one way system for entering/exiting, there are many more security guards than I’ve seen previously, there is no entry at all at the Pórtico de Gloria (the main doors from Praza do Obradoiro). I’m positive I have entered by these doors in the past but I’ve read that there has been no access for years. 

When Mikey and I entered through the southern door for the mass we were counted in by a guard with a clicker. Sadly the botofumeiro didn’t swing. As we were about to leave the cathedral we bumped into Paul (English) and Sam (South African) who we met on day one and again on day five when we arranged to see them in Santiago for lunch. 

After lunch I took Mikey to meet the two Marias in the parque de Alameda. Little Maria seemed a bit disapproving when Mikey placed his armpit close to her nose 😂

In the evening we wandered over to Praza do Obradoiro to watch the ‘Tunos’ performing under the arches. They really are great fun with beautiful strong voices. They must love what they do as they turn up every night, and in the rain last night there wasn’t a huge crowd to fill the collection plate (tambourine).  Mikey seemed to enjoy the show, no sign that he thought it was a bit naff. 

Santiago day 2

I discovered that a guy who comments on my blog is in Santiago with his wife, after walking the Camino Frances for the third time. We arrange to meet over churros and chocolate and spend a lovely hour or so with them and their friend. You can check out his blog here

We’ve purchased tickets for the cathedral rooftop tour which come with free admission to the Museum.

So we wander over for a mooch around, then find some late lunch, and suddenly it’s time for our tour.

I specifically selected the 17:00 tour as the weather forecast predicted that the rain would have stopped by then, and indeed it had. Not only that but the sun put in an appearance and the conditions were absolutely perfect for our tour.  There has been a complete new roof since I last did this in 2013. Mikey made my heart miss a few beats as he leapt around the steeply sloping roof like a mountain goat but the guide didn’t seem fazed  – I expect she’s dealt with a lot more alarming kids’ antics. The tour included a climb to the top of the Torre de la Carraca where the views over Praza do Obradoiro with the sun setting behind made for the perfect finale to a perfect mini camino. 

All that was left was a quick visit to the cathedral to light a couple of candles, after which Mikey returned to his room and I went in search of my last couple of glasses of Albariño before returning to the UK tomorrow. 

There is a small disappointment to report though. As mentioned previously, on the morning of my departure from the UK I accidentally smashed my much loved and greatly treasured camino mug. I thought that I would be able to replace it at the cathedral shop but they no longer sell that design. I couldn’t find anything that comes remotely close to how much I loved that mug. But hey-ho, if that’s my biggest problem I’m doing ok. 

Thanks again to one and all for your much appreciated company. Until the next time…