In Santiago de Compestela
Today is my second and last day in Santiago. We spent the day sleeping in, taking a hot shower, attending the Pilgrim Mass, eating a big lunch and a big chocolate crepe, and lastly praying in the adoration chapel. I'm so happy to be heading home tomorrow but it's also a bit strange to be finished after a month of walking with one goal in mind.
Here's the inside of the Cathedral.
This is the statue of St. James behind/above the altar. It is a tradition to touch St. James or even give him a hug.
As you walk to the Cathedral you walk through this archway which opens into the plaza. Throughout the day there is a man playing bagpipes and later a couple singing opera. The bagpipes and singing echo through the whole plaza, welcoming you to Santiago.
After lunch we found a crepe shop. We should've known the crepes would be large and filling since they were about $6 a piece, but we each ordered one and I could barely finish it! Chocolate crepe = delicious!
Here is the list of intentions in front of the adoration chapel.
Throughout the day I was thinking of where to place the intentions of my family and friends that I brought on the pilgrimage with me. At the tomb of St. James? At the statue of St. James? Then I walked past the perpetual adoration chapel in the Cathedral. Believe it or not, this was the most emotional place for me to visit. "This is it", I thought, "This is my goal. This is my beginning and this is my end." I knew this is where I should bring my friends and family and all of the intentions I prayed for as I walked. Funny I walked 500 miles to the tomb of St. James and it was such a wonderful pilgrimage and an amazing accomplishment... when I can go see the Jesus Himself any time I want in adoration. God put it in perspective for me. The Camino was awesome, but what I have here in the adoration chapel is infinitely more awesome!
Thanks for joining me in this adventure. I hope some of you have the opportunity to walk the Camino de Santiago yourself. For those of you who don't, I hope my blogging has allowed you to participate in it a little. I prayed for you and your intentions along the way. You were with me in thought in prayer the whole time. It was my privilege to pray for you and your intentions. I'm glad I could share this adventure and blessing with you. May God bless you!
P.S. Coming home was great. After a long trip I was really pampered my some family and friends. Mom had a pumpkin pie (my favorite) and cool whip in the fridge waiting for me. My sister and a friend gave me a spa pedicure! Look at my feet now!
And a friend and her kids gave me fuzzy slipper and foot lotion along with some great congratulations cards :)
"No blisters!" at the finish, haha
