Santiago!

Day #32: Arzua to Lavacolla, 16 miles

Day #33: Lavacolla to Santiago de Compostela, 6 miles

Wednesday, August 25

Lavacolla is sort of a last stop before Santiago. The name comes from the root lavar, to wash. Pilgrims typically stopped here to purify themselves, physically and mentally, before arriving in Santiago. But so much for reservations! We arrived at a beautiful hotel about six miles outside the city and discovered that our names were nowhere to be found on the reservation list. The owner was kind enough to drive us to a third-rate hotel, but there was no long soak in a tub or having my laundry done. I will arrive in Santiago tomorrow pretty much as dirty as I have been for the past month! Excited nonetheless. 

Early morning in the eucalyptus forest. They are imported trees that have become invasive, but they are quite beautiful. 

Thursday, September 25

We have made it to Santiago! It is slightly anticlimactic since we plan to continue on to Finisterre, but it still felt great to walk into such a historic and sacred place. The city is very lively. Whether they have walked 500 miles or just the last 100K or even biked it, everyone is in a celebratory mood. Lots of street performers and music. After all the mountains and plains it is a little jarring. 

We have a room in a tiny hotel in a quiet area not too far from the cathedral. We are staying here for two nights. It will be such a treat to stay in one place so long.