Friday Reflections in Santiago

Well, with the population in Santiago (probably) tripled, we are ever so thankful to have secured lodgings in a very quiet and modest, more than adequate pension through Monday morning when a taxi will take us to the airport.

We attended Mass in English again today in a glorious side chapel in the Cathedral, which was decorated with rose marble, and we even were able to go to confession in English! The pilgrims are streaming in amongst the local inhabitants and vacationers. All souvenirs are purchased, all clothes are laundered, we are happy to tuck ourselves away for a little siesta. However I can’t even nap! I continue to reflect…

One thing some friends and family have asked me is how we are adjusting to the drastic change – not walking every day. We have heard much about the transition back to our “regular” life. A very wise pilgrim told us it was good to have this time to “ease” back slowly – to have hopped on a plane immediately would have been hard. Fatima was the ideal place to go. Many go to the coast – I think it was very good advice.

I miss my backpack! I called her “Medusa” because of all the long, wild straps everywhere. Yes, I do know now what they are all for!  There was something about having the weight of everything I needed on my back. Yes, the snail became a symbol for me!

We saw a lot of snails in our first days, then none until our last day when I found this little guy.

What I love is we that can see where he has been. His “Camino” is behind him. We felt, on the Camino, a drive forward – “adelante!” – always with a great spirit of energy and good momentum. However, I did not always have great speed! Every morning we set out for a new adventure, and I don’t ever remember it being difficult to leave, to start out the day.

Something I do so miss, very honestly – being able to eat whatever I wanted. First, second, third breakfasts were not uncommon. But I need to explain…as we walked along and came in to the pueblos, we would always stop at the first bar. But in order to use the facilities, we always had to buy something – WC for clients ONLY.  I was usually good for a cafe con leche, but the tortillas and croissants were ever present. And we needed the energy, right?

Yes, sometimes we would “squirrel away” these delectable snacks for later. The red bag that was always at my side, at the ready, was my “snack bag.” It usually had my water bottle, dried fruit, nuts, one apple per day, and glorious pastries…

…we almost always had a supply of crackers on hand, sometimes cheese. It was always good to have a full “snack bag.” We rarely let the “cupboard go bare.”

Priority one every morning was preparing our supply of water. And only once did we get low. (We “pooled” our supply, if you will, and made it to the next bar.) Never was I so attentive to my hydration (obviously) and I will say that only once did I wake up with the slightest bit of a headache (which was a concern for me), probably due to low water.

Reflections will continue…