Cinco Caminos – Stage 39: Sigueiro to Santiago de Compostela (18 km) 16 - 22°C – Sunny

By Jim

We applied what we had learned from our last Albergue in Betanzos to Sigueiro, choosing bunks in the smaller dorm (six beds) away from the door and bathrooms.  The Italian Nordic walkers checked in after us and had to take beds in the 14 bed dorm.  Checkmate!   In the morning, I did join them for breakfast at 5:00 a.m., bonded over strong coffee, and bid them arrivederci before Laurel joined in on the carb-feast.

Our last day’s walk was pleasant.   Except for a stretch along a motorway, and some industrial park outside Santiago, we were treated to shaded woodland paths and small country roads.  The entrance to Santiago gave us wonderful views of the cathedral and surrounding buildings.  Meeting Miguel, a pilgrim we had crossed paths with in several albergues on the Camino Ingles, just as we entered the square was special.   We exchanged high-fives, took group photos, and enjoyed the buzz and excitement of the moment.  We made it!  One couple, five different Caminos, thirty-nine stages, 876 kms, and 3,500 photos (give or take).

Ode to the Albergue

On the Camino,

the albergue is our home —

a place where total strangers

in their underwear do roam.

A place to line up for a bunk,

for showers, toilets, too.

To wash your clothes in bathroom sinks 

with limited shampoo.

The kitchen provides a challenge

for cooking if you're brave:

Hard-boiled eggs?  Electric kettle.

Frozen pizza?  The microwave.

Sleeping is a crapshoot;

sometimes you win or lose.

An auditory broadcast,

with no mute for you to choose.

Why stay at an albergue?

This sounds like a lament.

Though meeting kindred spirits

certainly, is time well spent.

Throughout the days and miles,

fellowships ensue.

A comfortable acceptance —

that is the pilgrim's glue.

Once strangers with suspicion,

Who share this albergue space,

now seek to make eye contact

and put a smile on each other's face.

If you are ever fortunate

to share a communal meal,

your snoring will be forgiven —

wine has a way to heal.

The albergue brings us together —

more than place and time to share.

We truly understand it when 

we meet again in Saint James' square.

Our last day was an easy walk to Santiago.

The Camino Ingles enters Santiago on a nice path.

Our Camino ends at the Cathedral in Santiago.  Meeting a fellow pilgrim and sharing the moment.