Month: April 2022

Day after santiago arrival.

After the pilgrim Church service, had a bit of lunch and checked into accommodation. Shower, rested up all afternoon and ventured out at 6.30 pm. A couple of beers in one of the many outside bars, had dinner at 8.30 pm. In bed at 9.30 and didn’t wake up till 9am. Best sleep for a long time. Found a big breakfast,and now at laundromat, giving all my clothes a decent wash as I have been washing them in the shower for the last month. Today, we will more than likely welcome Jeff into santiago. Craig, my 70 year old mate, also from America, is still days away, so won’t get to celebrate with him. Santiago is rocking with pilgrims. Don’t know where they’re all coming from. The next three weeks, probably relax around Spain and Portugal. Then fly to Rome, and train travel through Northern Italy, through the swiss Alps and arrive in Amsterdam about the 4th of June. Travel around the Netherlands, then through Germany to the   Scandinavian countries of, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Slip across to Finland on the ferry, fly to Istanbul, for a two week jaunt of Turkey. Most important part,taking in Gallipoli and then flying Istanbul to home via Dubai in the middle of July .I will do a bit of a blog as I go. To everyone who enjoyed reading about my fourth camino, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for travelling with me. You may not know it,but there were days, knowing you were there, that helped me keep going.

Anzac day, walking into Santiago de compostella

Left before dawn. Pitch dark, icy cold, fog, and no rain. I could see stars through the fog. Finally, we’re going to see the sun come up on Anzac day. My prayers have been answered. Could not see a thing for the first hour. Luckily saw pilgrims with torches at a vital turn off. We then proceeded till the sun came up and found our way into Santiago de compostella. I thought about all the service men and women, I thought about all the great places I have been for a dawn service. Hells fire pass on the Burmese railway line, probably one of the most special one. Tears were streaming down my face as I pinched myself, to remind myself how blessed we all are. After reaching the cathederal, total joy and bliss took over my body. We took a couple of photos, and headed for the pilgrims office to receive our compostella. Had a hot chocolate and a sandwich, and now in church, awaiting the pilgrims midday service.