Occupy Santiago tents set up in Plaza Obradoiro

Slept in late, then headed to Plaza Obradoiro to see pilgrims arrive. Heard joyful sounds of pilgrim family and turned around to see them arriving — Sebastian, Alex, Andreas, Catia, Annina, Nikki – many hugs, then led them to the cathedral office and on to mass. Attended mass together and locked arms after communion. Botafumeiro was spectacular. Mass full of joy — priest blessed us with thumb in cross on forehead. All very touching and a great liturgical close to our camino. Left the group so they could find their albergue and spent next couple of hours greeting incoming pilgrims including:

• Roberto of Mexico — with wife and sister, staying at my hotel!
• Natalie and Susan of Spokane
• Christina and Meg Rayne of Boston
• Addison and Alexa of Seattle
• Joy and Joanne of Vancouver
• many others.

Then nap at hotel room. Agreed that our pilgrim family would get together at 20:00 for dinner. Arranged to eat at same restaurant as last night with Luke and Gal.

Dinner with the family

Met our family plus 2 Germans — Eike and Simone — at restaurant. Andreas performed German Nazi/Swedish/Finn sketch to great effect. Poor food, but shots of house specialty afterward set everything right. Went out to street to hear Luke then Andreas play guitar and sing. It was awkward to sit in the middle of this pedestrian road, but no one wanted to say good. Finally said our goodbyes for last time, then off to bed to rest for tomorrow’s walk to Finisterre.

Pilgrim family in front of cathedral at Santiago. From left: Catia, Alex, Nikki, Andreas, author, Sebastian, Annina