We started our last 10km into Santiago once the sun was up and finishing off last night’s pizza. We took our picture at the 10km marker before continuing. We mainly walked in silence just in our own thoughts.
It wasn’t long before we entered the outskirts of Santiago. We had missed the Monte do Gozo sculptures. We were right on top of the cathedral when we first saw it’s towers. The path doesn’t pass through the view point; it is a little detour around the 5km mark that we missed.
We arrived in the square outside congratulating each other. There were other pilgrims I had met along journey here also! Another bit of Camino Magic.
We took some pictures before heading to the pilgrims office to get our compostelas. They have a ticket system, so once you get a number, you then check online for your turn.
It is written in Latin hence the odd spelling of my name. Once that was in hand, it was time to celebrate.
We made it!
At 6pm we queued for the pilgrims mass that starts at 7.30pm. Even then we were not first in line! We got in and picked a pew waiting patiently for mass to begin.
This was an experience with it all in Spanish and the angelic voice of the solo lady choir made it memorable. But the Camino still hadn’t finished it’s magic.
Five men dressed in red robes came out and each grabbed a rope for the Botofumerio. I couldn’t believe my luck. All the rumours about it were false, it wasn’t swinging every Friday or each day at noon, there is no guarantee.
This was just a magical moment, a fantastic finale to what has been journey I cannot begin to adequately describe.
We all left mass stunned and speechless, as we made our way to a tapas bar. Food and drink was in order. We celebrated to the early hours.
Stu's Camino 
Well done. An amazing achievement.
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What an awesome achievement Stu with a fitting end to your Camino journey. Not sure I fancy writing the risk assessment for the Botofumerio though!! Enjoy the last of your time in Spain 🍻
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