This was NOT going to happen!

Today is my last full day in Santiago and indeed in Spain.

I wandered into the old city again..more exploring that I just love. I understand the layout a bit more now and it is very quick to get around....building up the mental model of the city and adding each new alley or interesting  place as you go along.

I have been really pleased with how I feel after all the walking. My heels are bruised quite deeply but are not painful. My swelling in my feet has gone done...especially my left foot and they almost look normal.  I had a few numb toes and these are feeling good and the balls of my feet stopped hurting the day I arrived. Even my old blister sites are looking good!

When I have sat for more than 10 minutes I do the 'pilgrim shuffle' for about 50m...less if I jog...and I can now bounce out of bed with no sore muscles or tendons etc...

So the body is quickly forgetting the walk. It is strange because for the last 3 months in England and Spain I have felt every footfall...and yet each morning you can get up and do it again.

I turned down an offer last night for a ride to Finisterre. ..about 90km away with friends.  I will walk there next time I camino...which may be soon.

I had planned to go for the day but I was 'prompted' to stay.

So last was farewell to Nina, Henning and Bobbie. This evening it will be farewell to Gerrit and Nora.

That just me to say farewell to this place. That is what I thought would be under control.

Oh so wrong.

My wandering today led me back to the cathedral and I got an audio guide for the museum and cathedral.  3.5 hrs later I reemerged to a much hotter world but very upset (in a good way..but not my planned response).

The time alone wandering thru the cathedral complex allowed me to start putting my walk into perspective. ..in reason...in distance..the hardships..the joys..the friendships.

Today was way more emotional than I was expecting but very helpful all the same.

My plans until i reach NZ? Tomorrow I train to A Coruna. .fly to Barcelona and hopefully get into Gaude's cathedral and then fly on to Vienna for a few days to meet up with some camino friends. Then UK overnight on Monday and then the long haul back home.

Maybe it's the heat...or maybe I am still listening like I must.

Adios amigos
((Holding up an imaginery wine glass)...Here is to being the same but different and being different but not the same. Puzzled...? 760km will help you figure it out!)

When i get home remind me to tell you about the Bocaronies and the Permentos...