WRAPPING IT UP (June 21-22)

JUNE 21:

Today we had a wonderful opportunity to meet with two distinguished scholars whose expertise deals with the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela: Ramón Yzquirdo Perrín and José Antonio Castro Lodeiro (Director of the Instituto Teológico Compostelano). Ramón shared his insights into the development of the "coro" as a central part of the medieval cathedral. It was fascinating to accompany him to see the partial reconstruction of the "coro petreo" that was sculpted by Mester Mateo and his workshop in the 11th century. We also visited the Pórtico da Gloria (the most amazing medieval sculpture). Sadly, we were prohibited from taking pictures. Here is a link: https://catedraldesantiago.es/en/portico-de-la-gloria/

An interesting detail is that above each bishop's seat are similar figures: the center figure under the building represents a "sin"; this part is flanked by two figures that represent innocence. These were reminders of the temptations of the world and the need to maintain purity.

After the visit with Ramón we were taken to the "coberturas" of the Cathedral (i.e., the roof!). It was fabulous to learn about the construction of the Cathedral and the view was spectacular. Here are some pics:

If you look carefully at the circular rosetta window you will see a diagonal line (to the left) that goes up and then across to the corner. This is the outline of a roof that was once part of the "bell ringer's residence." Yes, the bell ringer and his family resided on the roof of the Cathedral. They would often also have their chickens running around the roof. The structure was removed in the 1960's.

This tower reflects the fascination of the builders with the exotic; the tower reflecting interest in pyramids.

This structure was once located in front of the Cathedral. It is where early pilgrims would burn their clothes as part of the cleansing of their sins (and also because their clothes were unsanitary and smelly). It was moved to the roof when the practice was ended and is directly above altar.

JUNE 22: FINISTERE

Today we took the students out the "end of the Earth." Here is what we experienced on our last day together.

Our first stop was at this beautiful little bay in Ezaro. It is famous for having the only waterfall in Europe that cascades into the ocean.

From there we went to Finisterre where we had lunch at the lighthouse. It was delicious. The views from this little peninsula are stunning.

After lunch we treated the students to some time at the beach. This one is called Praia da Langosteira. It is where for centuries pilgrims would come to find their shell that was evidence that they had completed their journey to Compostela.

(all the white that you see along the shore are sea shells)

I found a little friend along the beach

This brings to an end another Camino experience. It has been a good trek across Spain; seeing so much and experiencing things that can only happen when you are out with other pilgrims. I loved spending so much time with Jannette and when Lizzy joined us in Leon. It is an experience that will sustain us for many years to come.

DAY 32: O PEDROUZO TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (June 20)

 WE MADE IT INTO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA!!!! Yeah!!! Overall it was a solid walk. The weather was humid but tolerable. We sang at the Monte do Gozo, took pictures, and headed down the hill together for the Cathedral. About a half mile from our destination it began to rain, and rain, and rain, and pour down. When we got to the plaza in front of the Cathedral we were the only crazies there taking pictures. The other pilgrims had huddled in any space they could. Well, after 755 kilometers were prepped for most anything and just took it in stride. I am very glad to be here. It was a different feeling this time. Last time it was an emotional rollercoaster to enter the plaza having completed the Camino for the first time. This time I was more peaceful and grateful. The Camino is what you put into it. Some people do it with a religious/spiritual purpose. Others just to say that they did it. Like all things in life, you get what you put into the experience. I am grateful for the additional insights; the "tender mercies" discovered along the way as I witnessed the faith of priests and believers of all types.

The group at the Monte do Gozo (5 kilometers from the Cathedral)

Lizzy, Jannette, and me with Doug and Terri Weatherford (our co-operators on this adventure)

The same evening we attended the Pilgrim's Mass in the Cathedral. The highlight was that we were able to see the Botafumeiro swung. The huge incense burner has been clocked at 45 miles per hour as it crosses through the transept of the Cathedral:

DAY 31: RIBADISO TO O PEDROUZO (June 19)

 Got up this morning and was greeted with RAIN!!! By the time we set out on our trek it had subsided a bit. After about 3-4 miles the rain stopped and the weather was rather pleasant. Then, again, the rain returned and for about two hours it just came down hard until we got into O Pedrouzo. Literally the moment we rounded the corner that lead to the hotel the rain stopped.

You may be wondering why I have a picture of a gas station! Well, on Saturday Jannette and Lizzy decided to walk the 1.5 kilometers to the station to buy me Father's Day treats! That was very sweet!

The hydrangea here are stunning! Some of these bushes were six feet tall.

And the flower clusters are 10 inches across

TOMORROW WE WALK INTO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA!

DAY 30: PALAIS DE REI TO RIBADISO (June 17)

The day turned out well for us. It wasn't too hard and it wasn't too easy. It was just right,  I don't have many pictures from this stage. I spent a lot of time to talking to two other pilgrims. 

Lovely little Medieval bridge

And a lovely Roman bridge.

Going into Melide was ducked into a restaurant to use the bathroom. We took a look at the menu and decided to sit down and eat. Best decision. I had this chicken sandwich with a regional cheese, fresh tomatoes and lettace from their garden, on a typical Galician bread.