Our First Full Day in Santiago

Yesterday evening, I made a visit to the cathedral. It was all a little overwhelming for me, and I couldn’t stay long. The continuing restoration work carried out over the last four years has revealed much of the medieval and counter reformation beauty of the place which had been covered up by centuries of grime and ill-conceived re-decoration and repainting plans. It was absolutely beautiful, and I couldn’t take it all in. I literally had to leave.

I did manage some time in the crypt, so I was able to pray at the tomb of the Apostle and offer thanksgiving for arriving safely in Santiago. 

Dinner was tapas and sangria for four of us, including our friend Alicia from Boston.

A late start to the day, with the Pilgrims’ Mass in the cathedral at 9:30 AM. We then went to the Pilgrim Office to obtain our Compostelas, the certificate issued by the cathedral to confirm our Camino walk. 

Much of the rest of the day was spent aimlessly wandering around the city center, gawking at shops, admiring the architecture, and popping into every church I passed. I very much felt that I was still in the process of arriving, if that makes sense. 

Francine, Callie, and I took a tour of the Cathedral’s roof and one of the towers. It was amazing. Four years ago, Francine and I took what turned out to be the very last roof tour before they closed the entire area for restoration. Back in 2018 much of the roof was already closed off, so today’s tour was more extensive and included the tower where they keep their gigantic crotalus. Walking on the cathedral roof was only slightly terrifying. 

Amy and Alice from Portland arrived this afternoon, and we were there to meet them in the Cathedral plaza. They are staying with us in the apartment we rented, and so there was much talking until all hours. 

Date: 25 May 2022

Today’s Photos!