Santiago, At Long Last

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We are finally in Santiago! We arrived here on Friday, after 38 days of traveling to get here. Upon entering the plaza facing the cathedral we were met by the sounds of bagpipes from local musicians and throngs of joyous pilgrims hugging each other and posing for group photos. It was a scene of joy and chaos.

After walking around the plaza feeling a little dazed and confused, we asked and found out how to attain our certificates of compostela (see above). There is an elaborate process to go though, but once received we noted that they are all written out in Latin. It seems that my name in Latin is “Michaelam”. Who knew?! Carrie is still Carrie.

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We attempted to attend the 7:30 PM mass at the Cathedral on Friday night, but weren’t able to get in because the crowds were so large, mostly because at this mass the service included the “Botafumeiro”. This is an special service where a large canister of incense is hoisted into the air by several strong men who swing the vessel back and forth above the aisles. It’s very impressive. We were lucky to see the Botafumeiro service the next morning.

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Pilgrims walk into the city every day, so there is a festive atmosphere all day and all evening . The bars and restaurants are bustling with tourists. Musicians fill the alleyways and alcoves working the crowds for money. Old friends meet again and new friendships begin as stories of our journeys are recounted until late into the night. We know that we share a common story that we’ll remember all our lives. We have all benefited from our pilgrimage in many ways, but what we’ll cherish the most are the friends we made along the way.

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