My Camino Day 31 (final day)

Day 31(final day): Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela (20 km)

I started the day with mixed emotions. “Yes today is the last day and I will finally be in Satiago de Compostela in 6 hours.” I was happy to finish the walk and yet sad to end my whole journey. I entered the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral square with Joy and other pilgrims whose names I don’t know. Once I sat and lied down in the middle of the square I realized that I don't have to walk again tomorrow. It will be a new and different day. 

After spending some time in the square Joy and I went to the pilgrims office to get the last stamp on the pilgrims passport and the Compostela (certificate). The stamped pilgrim’s passport (Credencial del Peregrino) is proof that you have walked more than the 100 km necessary to obtain the certificate. I had more than 30 stamps on my pilgrims passport; each stamp from every albergue I stayed in on the way.  

There was a long line up (1-2 hours waiting) at the office. I looked for my pilgrims passport inside my backpack but could not find it. I searched every where in panic but my Camino passport was nowhere to be found. I realized I might have left it at the first cafe on the way where I had breakfast. (maybe in the bathroom). I asked one of the staff at the pilgrim’s office to contact the café. He tried but no one was picking up the call…

I went to a small chapel next to the office and sat down on the pew. I closed my eyes and prayed to God offering thanksgiving for every walk I have walked since a month ago. “Receiving the certificate was never a purpose of my journey.  I lost my pilgrims passport with all the stamps but it does not matter. My Camino is in my heart.”  I was completely fine after the prayer.  

I stayed at albergue Seminario Menor in a single ROOM (not a bed)! It was really nice to be able to spread out my belongings  

Next day: I got up 5:30 am in order to pack and get ready for a morning flight. Guess what I found as I was reorganizing things in the backpack. “The Camino Passport!” It had been hidden behind the sunscreen lotion in the top pocket. “My pilgrims passport was lost but now is found” I laughed  God is funny.  At the airport, while waiting for the flight Joy drew the last stamp on my Camino passport for me. 

I thank God for everything: my backpack, shoes and socks, poles, all my family, friends & church members praying for me, my Camino friends, and my God. There will be more stories to come from my Camino experience.  Buen Camino!