Day 35 Reactions

This morning all the Spanish men jetted out of the albergue at 7 or so to get to noon mass. I gave them 2 hugs each and they gave me the besos on the cheeks. Sniff, I was so sad to say goodbye to them because it meant the end of the Camino was near. They're also a good sort.

Photographer for La Voz Galicia was on the Camino and kept taking photos of me (was for newspaper article on winter pilgrims) this morning. Glad I had sunglasses on and I walked as fast as I could to get away. Some moments of quiet but mostly traffic sounds.

Saw the cathedral, nothing except yay, hello again. At entrance was a japanese tour group and one of the guides kept asking me questions. Then all the people filed out and shook my hand..i felt a little sheepish like a politician or figurehead shaking hands with citizens receiving congratulations for something i felt like i didnt do. Some wanted photos with me so i posed japanese style. :) i kind of felt like mickey mouse. Went to crypt and prayed a bit with a bit of weeping. As I exited another smaller group of Portuguese women talked with me a bit asking questions. I liked the smaller more intimate questioning. I told everyone they could walk the Camino too.

I felt lonely. Where were all the peregrinos I had so much camaraderie with? None in the plaza all late afternoon save one.

Staying at a tourist albergue makes me miss the municipal and xunta albergues. Normal people are so loud and obnoxious compared to the Camino. I don't want to face regular civilization just yet. However a hot shower where hot water doesn't run out, a place that gives you a fluffy cotton towel and use of a hairdryer feels absolutely luxurious.

Tomorrow I will go hug the apostle...and I don't have to walk 10+ km. Sweet but bittersweet. My body is saying no more, especially my knees and left leg. There's some muscle strain. However, My mind wants to keep going to Finisterre.