How could it be that none of my tribe suggests entering the Cathedral? Having walked the Camino, did we not sense a connection to this revered place? In reality we are bone tired and growing painfully cold. Attend to the needs of the flesh than the spirit.
We stand in the plaza before the towering Santiago de Compostelle Cathedral. We are giddy with the arrival. What we most want to do is hug one another, drop our backpacks, and take photos. It’s the same for all pilgrims. Our bonds will not be forgotten.
My tribe of pilgrims can simultaneously walk and take selfies. When the urge strike, we yell “selfie” and come together posturing for a photo. We are drunk on the thought Santiago is so near. The kilometers slip by like sand in an hour glass. Infinitesimally slow in the beginning and instantly gone in the end.
As though we are possessed by magical strength, we storm towards Santiago. Pack mentally keeps the pace up. Feet pain and café con letche urges are ignored. We just want to be there.
The appeal of green…
We look like zombies one trailing behind the other. Weariness is prevalent. The closeness of Santiago is at hand. Tired pilgrims are chomping at the bit.
Leaving this for this…
All jammed up and ready to go. Yes, that’s jam on buttered toast and café con lethe for breakfast eaten AFTER two hours of walking. Carbs, fats, sugar, and caffeine fueling four more hours of walking. It’s impossible to walk on a fuller tummy.
With countless churches dating back centuries, it is easy to become saturated in their opulence. For me, there is too much to see. My quiet times in these revered places of worship are distracted by much artistry.
An elegant stone arch bridge lead to charming steep hills. It is as though the hills were dipped in concrete. Stone houses were stacked on top. Not a patch of earth to be seen. On slopes like these, earth would have long since wash away. It is well worth the climb.
Linda Scandore 