We arrived in Santiago de Compostela on June 25 (six months before Christmas) hot, thirsty, tired, and with sore feet. On the way to the cathedral, we got a hotel room so we would not have to carry our backpacks. From there, we limped to the Pilgrim’s Office to get our certificates of completion. The person at the office assumed I did the Camino for religious or spiritual purposes and gave me a Compostela; Dennis on the other hand received the certificate for completing the Camino for sport, culture, or health reasons. I am envious; I prefer his.
On our last days, we both developed blisters: Dennis on his toes and I on the heels. Both our feet have grown, Dennis is now a size 15.5 and I am a woman’s 9.5. At the shoe store, Dennis had only one option. If his feet continue to grow, I wonder if we will be able to find him shoes on the continent.
From the Pilgrim’s office we went to a cafe and celebrated with a beer. See how tired but happy Dennis appears. Exhausted, we tucked in at 8:30 P.M, forgetting to take an ibuprofen and consequently achy for most of the night.
In the morning, we went to the Pilgrim’s Mass and saw the Botafumeiro de Santiago de Compostela, a large incense burner swing over the pilgrims at the end of Mass. I was disappointed in today’s sermon. It had little to do with pilgrims (all about parents and educators teaching the young) and was delivered monotonously. I preferred the ceremony more in 2011, where the sermon was more appropriate for me as a pilgrim.
In the afternoon, we went in search of replacement clothes and to see which was better: sell our bikes or ship them home. We decided on the latter and will spend most of tomorrow completing the arrangements. We have decided to backpack through Europe, taking trains and buses as needed–I am too clumsy to continue biking. To date my falls have not been too damaging, but I have lost my mojo for biking. Dennis said that even though he loves biking, he loves me more and does not want to see me hurt. Isn’t he romantic! Now that decision is made, we need to plan our course, but I think we will be in England soon.
Jane go back tomorrow and get the other compostela if that is the one you want. CONGRATS on another fabulous hike. Tomorrow I hike into Robin Hood’s Bay and complete my Coast to Coast hike. Yea!!! A couple days of rest and then I am off for more hiking in Scotland. Enjoy the rest of your time in Europe.
Sue/Hammock Hanger
Sue,
Congratulations on completing your Coast to Coast hike. Do you recommend it?
Hi Jane and Dennis, congratulations and next time I will get the other one too. I think the certificate is a beautiful momento and I already have the other one. I also love the one for completing the Camino Finsterra, it is very colourful.
Take care of those blisters! Suseia Ingrid
Ingrid,
I’m glad to hear you will do another Camino. The one from Porto is hard on the feet (cobblestones), beautiful, and not as difficult as the Camino Frances. It is a bit more costly at the albergues (and with two it makes staying at pensiones reasonable), but the food is slightly less expensive. With so many Caminos to choose, have you picked one yet?
I think you made a good decision and you will enjoy the trip more not having to worry about getting hurt again (also, you’ll be able to see so much more because you won’t have to be navigating the bike). After all, it’s all about having a good time and taking it all in! So, I’m guessing I’ll be getting one or two rather large packages soon (the bikes)?
Elizabeth,
Yes, it will take about a week for the bikes to arrive. I’ll email details.
Congratulations on completing your second Camino this year. Although I started late, I enjoyed your blog. Hopefully you will continue during your journey through Europe. Dennis is sweet!
Jasmyne,
Thanks again for following along. I will continue posting about our travels.
You are both pretty amazing in my book. As far as feet, mine are still bigger than yours.
Judy,
I’m glad I to lose the longest feet contest, but mine are still growing. I am now buying men’s shoes since they are wider and more comfortable.
Jane: I have a feminist friend in the UK if you’d like her contact info. She lives on St. John’s Wood in London but has a summer place in the Cotswolds.
Congratulations! Take some recovery time; you’ve both earned it.
Your adventure just continues. I would walk as well so I think you made the right decision.
Lil,
It was a hard decision and I am glad Dennis helped me make it. Once the blisters heal, we’ll be ready to walk.
Congratulations on reaching Santiago again! It is usually with mixed feelings that I end a trip. I hope the shipping home of the bikes goes flawlessly–sweet of Dennis to prefer you to the bike 🙂
I hope the next parts in Europe are fun and a bit more relaxing.
Sue,
I also bought Principe Cookies as gifts…shipping home half a dozen rolls. I searched for these in the US and could not find them. Did you like these cookies when you were here?
Congratulation Jane and Dennis. Have fun take it easy in England . say hi to the Queen !
Phil,
We are looking at all the walking tours available in England and Ireland. Looks like we will finally get to use the camping gear we lugged for more than 800 km on bike and 600 km on foot without using it other than for muscle building.
Congratulations on arriving in Santiago. You have accomplished a lot on bike and on foot. I know that Celebration Beer always tastes so good! Enjoy the next chapter in your amazing adventure.
Thanks Mary Lynn,
We are both looking forward to the next chapter. Taking a few days in Santiago to catch our breaths, and then we are off.
i am loving the B&B’s!! Way too much. There are a few campers and some hostels. I think you would like it. Hardest part is the first few days then it mellows. shouldn’t be hard for seasoned hikers like you. i have had a good time. Sue/HH
Wow, so wonderful! Big congrats to you and your husband!
Yes, I enjoyed your blog. Keep post it, will love to read your blogs.
My husband and I are thinking about Camino Norte…maybe next fall?
We are traveling, exploring other country, nowadays. Love travel!
Buen Camino always to you and all!
Jae,
I wish you good travels and a buen Camino next year. I hear the Camino Norte is very nice.