We were out the door before 6 am, and by walking steadily, with one break for cafe con leche and one bathroom break, and one chocolate break, we were at the Cathedral at 10:45. A record time for us, but we are feeling fine, but stirred up.
We checked into our room, and went back for the noon pilgrims´service. It was huge! The Cathedral was filled - perhaps 1000 people, and at least half were recently arrived pilgrims. There was no space even for more to stand! There was a great choir and small orchestra, and about 15 guys in white robes - priests - to serve the mass to all who came forward - perhaps half the people.
I teared up when they swung the botifumeria, right over my head. It takes 6 guys in red robes to keep it swinging back and forth, almost to the roof of the cathedral. There are videos on youtube if you want to see it in action.
I am about to join friends in a tavern here for a reunion. Here is Lawrence from Ottawa in front of the tavern with his compostela. I picked mine up this afternoon too. Now it is official. I walked 780 km in 33 days. Not bad if I do say so myself. And who knows what tomorrow will bring?
