Wednesday
We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at our hotel Costa Vella, then we made a run to the Correos (PO) to get a box for shipping our backpacks, poles, and other paraphernalia home. We then ventured out to visit the cathedral before the noon pilgrim mass (which we missed the day before). It’s very beautiful with a massive altarpiece!
At about 11:15 we noticed that the cathedral was already filling up for mass. We walked through to the left transept to find seats and this was a lucky thing because they were front row. If they used the Botafumeiro we would be directly underneath it!
Mass at the Camino de Santiago Compostela
The full mass was very moving, as was receiving the eucharist. And, at the very end, out came the men who handle the Botafumeiro! We were excited to be able to see this since it isn’t done at every mass. It was swinging right over us and I was able to get some great pictures and a video!
Meeting Friends
After mass, we got a text from Ian and Lorilee saying they were just leaving the pilgrim office and headed to the cathedral plaza. We were able to rejoice with them as they finished their caminos, then enjoyed lunch! We had met up with our Georgia neighbors earlier and were invited for drinks at their hotel along with Ian and Lorilee. So the 8 of us met up for more fun and drinks, that turned into dinner.
We also met 2 new pilgrims from New Zealand who were continuing on the next day to Finsterra, another 4 days journey to the sea. We had hoped to at least take a bus there, but just didn’t budget enough days. Next time!!
Thursday
The Correos Episode
Next morning we ate a leisurely breakfast and then Dale popped down to the Correos for a slightly smaller box to pack up things headed back to the states. After it was crammed and taped eight ways to breakfast, we headed back to Correos for shipping. Then they took it back to scan for restricted items…and found batteries! We had forgotten to remove them from the headlamp. So we had to get back into the box, take them out, then our patient Correos-worker re-taped it. That poor box, after its trip through the rain (wearing a backpack cover) and all the cramming , taping, and re-taping already looked like it had been through the mill!
After weighing it and checking the address, she asked for a passport. Unfortunately, we hadn’t brought them with us. So poor Dale had to run back to the hotel for them! Finally it was finished and paid for!!
Saying Good-bye
Free from required tasks, we did a little shopping and wandering, then decided it was time for lunch around 1. We were checking out several places when Dale spotted an Italian restaurant we had been told about. We had begun to talk about Graham and Penny, wondering if they had arrived, when I looked up and there was Graham in the doorway! It was so good to see them and catch up that we sat talking until almost 4! Then we hugged and said goodbye, but I see a trip ‘down under’ in our future!
The sun had been shining the whole time we’d been in the restaurant, but about a half block from our hotel the rain came down. So much for walking 20 minutes to the bus station. They called a taxi for us and we said farewell to Santiago.
Next stop…Porto!