Day 15: Padron to Santiago de Compostela (20 miles; 1,800 elev. gain)

Walking the Camino

After a long walk with long moments of beauty and moments of rain, blisters, and a sudden lack of cafes and food, we arrived at our destination.

At first sight Santiago is a busy, noisy city. Once we broke through that, however, we came into the old city of stone buildings carved by narrow, winding streets filled with shops and street life. The cathedral itself is massive and stunning. Pilgrims who travelled from Portugal, Spain and France gathered in the huge square and hugged, cheered and took pictures.

We arrived in the rain, which is said to be a blessing. We went to the office to have our credentials validated and receive our official Camino certificates. As per tradition, they are written in Latin, including our names. Mine is Brennum. Jessica's is Joannam.

After a short rest we attended the evening service. Hundreds of pilgrims, locals and other visitors filled the cathedral beyond capacity. And this was just one of four services today. And every day. We saw several familiar faces at the service.

Afterwards, we ran into the UK couple we had met earlier and chatted with on the ferry. We ended up together at a tapas bar recommended by Tracy, whom we had see earlier in the afternoon. Jeremy and Lucy are good people. They've invited us to do a house swap with them. They showed us pictures of their spacious 350-year old Tudor house in Cambridge, England, with a beautiful garden and a barn. Lucy was a fashion and interior designer, so I imagine it's just lovely inside.

So yes, new friends. What a pleasant way to complete our Camino.

No need to go anywhere tomorrow, which is just fine. One more day in Santiago.

There will be more to reflect on and process after this 230+ mile journey. For now, Buen Camino!

Bonus video: hello, friend