As you can see, or not, we started out at O’Dark:30 Here we are an hour into our walk, no longer in the dark and continuing our walk on pavement.We had breakfast at this modern bar/restaurant just as we entered San Marcos. There were only 6 pilgrims when we arrived and still just 4 pilgrims when we left. Virtually no crowding.Walking into San Marcos , we were almost alone.We’re walking down from Monte de Gozo, our last hill on the Camino. A huge complex is off to our left that has some 50 ugly concrete barracks and other support facilities for athletes attending nearby sports camps.This bridge was built several years ago to safely allow pilgrims to enter the city with the growing traffic and new expressways. In 2022, this bridge was packed with hoards of young pilgrims heading into the city… today it was just us and 5-6 pilgrims way up ahead.Crossing the expressway and heading into San Lazáro, a suburb of Santiago.Walking into San LazároLots of bars open this morning at 9:00 but only a few pilgrims.Some residential areas in Santiagomore residential and shops in modern SantiagoOur first glimpse of the Catedral towers as we entered the old section of Santiago.a picturesque plaza just before getting to the Catedral.We’ve stayed in this albergue in 2017 and 2019. Our room was one with a balcony and we watched pilgrims walk to the Catedral as we did today.Walking pastA view of Praza de Obradoiro, as empty as we have ever seen it.The western facade of the Catedral which faces the Praza de Obradoiro.This is the pilgrim’s office only 5 minutes walk from the Catedral. Only 5 pilgrims waiting at the door to go in to present their credentials yo qualify for the Compostela.
As expected with the small number of pilgrims seen on our walk this morning, we we received a number for our position in line, entered the office area and within 4 minutes were presenting our credentials and after a quick review by an official representing the Bishop of Santiago, we were issued our Compostela for completing the Camino de Santiago – Camino Frances.
Linda’s CompostelaJim’s CompostelaHaving our celebratory Hot Chocolate and Santiago cake after receiving our compostelas.Crowd building some since we walked in a half-hour ago.This is look at the Catedral from another angle.The Platerias Facade, where pilgrims typically enter the Catedral. Note the line up the steps.We thought the sign behind us was interesting showing we were in (zero km ) Santiago. 49 days ago we observed a similar sign in Roncesvalles, having just walked over the Pyrenees.July 13, 2023 … leaving Roncesvalles.
For friends and family who have followed us on this latest adventure, we want to thank you for your support and comments and also want to assure you that we are safe and quite well and once again we did not fall off the edge of the earth! More to follow tomorrow.
Jimandi 