Step by step on The Way of Saint James
Santiago de Compostela. Epilogue
16 June 2018
Today, we still have a good half-day to spend here in Santiago de Compostela, and we use it to visit some of the most interesting places in the city.
At midday, we once again attend the “pilgrim’s mass” in the cathedral, hoping that this time we’ll finally get to see the “Botafumeiro” swinging.
However, no luck. The enormous censer remains still today as well.
For lunch, we go to a place near the market, where we order “pulpo a la gallega” and some seafood, all accompanied by a good white wine.
We’re a small group of friends, and it’s also an opportunity to say goodbye before each of us heads back home.
There’s emotion in the air, we barely manage to hold back a tear, and there are plenty of hugs.
The last image I have of all these friends I met during my Way is that of “little” Giovanna who, as I walk away through the crowd, shouts my name at the top of her lungs and waves vigorously one more time to say goodbye.
At 17:30, I take a bus to Porto in Portugal, from where I’ll fly directly back to Italy, to Naples, tomorrow morning.
***
I return home with a much heavier load than the one I set out with.
Besides the Porto wine I bought at the airport, I carry with me an enormous experience that will stay with me for all the time to come.
After having travelled far and wide around the world, touching all five continents, from today I can confidently say that...
– The most beautiful journey I have ever made was The Way of Saint James! –
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