Day 50: 500 miles – now time to celebrate!

I made it to Santiago City limits at the exact time I was born, 2:30pm. 

I was walking following the Way not sure where I would stay. Suddenly a man appeared beside me with his son and said “follow me”. I have been here before and you appear to be unsure of where you are going. He was from Japan and a Buddist. I followed him. We ended at the Cathedral which was a long way. He said to me and his son Wait here, I will be right back and disappeared into a building across from the Cathedral. After a fairly long time he reappeared and said, this is your lucky day. This hotel used to be a monastery but now is a special hotel for Pilgrims and the rate is reduced to 23 Euro for a single room. It is unbelievably luxurious and very very beautiful . That was just one of the amazing things that happened today. 

My Japanese Camino Angel and son

I got my Compestela for completing my Camino and went to the special Pilgrims Mass in the incredible cathedral where 8 men swing the incense over the participants in the most wonderful ritual I have ever experienced. 

Then I was on my way back to the monastery when I heard music on the street in front and this woman with the most beautiful voice and presence sang The Lords Prayer, followed by Ava Maria followed by Hallelujah! I was mesmerized ! 

Then I went into the dining room where I was given a table by myself and I heard my name being called and there were my 3 Brazillian friends calling me to sit at their table. They sang happy birthday, paid for my dinner and had the waiter bring me a Santiago birthday cake with a candle on it.! 

My Santiago birthday cake. I kept the candle

It was the best birthday ever!! 
There was more but it will have to wait. 
My heart is all too full right now.


Thank you all so much for your thoughts, prayers,birthday wishes, and most of all for your friendship!! Having all of you with me on this incredible journey has brought me so much joy. 
Bless you all!!!

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“Oh, ho hum….. just another typical ending to the pilgrimage of St. James…. except… it isn’t exactly the end, is it? There’s stuff to do, a famous town to explore, things to buy, Finisterre and Muxia to visit maybe, relatives to visit, update to friends when you get back, “Presentations” to make, and a lifetime of remembrances, the Arizona Trail to finish, and who know? Maybe another walk or two… Happy Happy Happy Birthday, dear friend. Thanks for sharing this experience!!!!!!!!“

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“Happy Birthday Doris!!!!! You are amazing!!“

The memorial of Pope Johns visit to the Camino

The Cathedral

The incense ritual