Santiago de Compostela, Thursday 9th November.
I had zero intention of blogging today. I said my virtual farewells yesterday, but then fate intervened.
One of the things I'd rather thought of doing on previous visits to Santiago, but not all that seriously, was to do a cathedral roof tour. I thought that the weather gods might stymie me this time, but today, whilst not exactly summery, was at least mostly not raining. So off we went. The tour was fully in Español, which means we didn't understand a word, but the views were quite spectacular and so here's just a few shots for the record:
It's called a roof tour for good reason. You actually walk up and down and all over the roof itself. The roof "tiles" slope at a reasonably gentle angle, and even when damp are unslippery.
A great view of the Praza do Obradoiro.
Mosteiro de San Martiño Pinario
This gives a good sense of what's behind the imposing doors of what is now the Parador (previously the Hospital Real de Santiago de Compostela, from the year 1499)
Of course one must have a tower selfie ...
Post roof, I went for a bit of an explore of the Cathedral Museum. Above is the tomb of King Alfonso IX (1171-1230)
The cloisters, within the Museum building.
And of course, Santiago himself, from the year 1500.
Now for a change of direction. 8 years ago when we were first here, post Camino #1, a friend took a photo of us relaxing at Cafe Agarimo. Just for a bit of fun, we did a bit of a re-creation today.
Off to Madrid tomorrow, and then much of the next 24/36 hours in transit or in the air. This time I think it really is adiós.
Ive loved this blog so much but I prefer it in person 😜. So proud of you both, travel safe home 🏡
I really enjoyed reading you every day for the past two months. And your photos are beautiful. Now I will miss our daily meetings, the expectation of a new message in my mailbox. But I am sure there will be more news of you two soon. Thank you
What a shame its all over I have followed your journey with gusto imaging the path we will take next year and what weather will be in front of us. I look forward to hearing about your thoughts on accommodation and any tips you have to offer. As for the negative comments regarding the vote don't let that distract from your marvellous experience. People are funny and life can be funny depends on how you look at things.
All the best Bill & Sandra Wolf
Great photos ! Thanks for sharing. I would never have imagined you'd be able to walk ON the roof of such an old Cathedral building. I bet that was an eerie feeling ! Janet and Peter, thanks for sharing your amazing journey. Safe and enjoyable travels home. Hope to see you both in person someday soon.
Dear Jan and Peter, I’ve spent a very absorbing hour or so catching up on the last few days of your amazing journey, and admiring the photos, and basically marvelling at your achievement. A part of this has been shuffling from the blog and looking at maps, and thinking about some of the beautiful cathedrals we ourselves have been too, including the rooftop walk over Palermo’s Duomo. Part also, is quiet reflection, pulling some interesting threads together.
Apart from following your journey, I have been micromanaging Paul and Nay’s five week holiday in Europe - no small feat for them to negotiate the trepidations of travel, trains and foreign tongues, to encompass a grand sweep from London to Rome, via…