The last of the Pilgrims from my Camino finally went their separate ways. As we checked out of our hotel in Santiago, Rick was headed for Madrid and I was headed for A Coruna.
On my way out of the hotel, I found Nigel and Bernie. I think that it’s fitting that we meet last as they always seemed to pop up last as we (collectively) started drinks, dinner or whatever. I’ve expressed my fondness for them before, I don’t want to do that again out of self preservation.
A short train rain ride to A Coruna delivers me to a rainy, windy, cool city. No point in going out, it’s just plain nasty. It did finally let up a bit and I got out. After walking almost everyday for a month, sitting still makes me crazy.
Next day, 6/29, I could not stand my clothes any more and the thought of flying home in the exact same clothes I wore since 5/16, could not happen.
Cab to el Corte Ingles, fixed all that. A pair of light Khakis, a light blue Polo shirt and a very light weight Navy Blue sweater (it’s cold here) made all the difference. A pair of navy blue suede shoes looked so much better than my rain washed Keens. I hate shopping but I now know what Retail Therapy is.
On the Camino, each day we had a beer after we finished our walk for the day, we called it the best beer we’ve ever had in the world, today. Today, in A Coruna I’m alone so this is the worst beer I’ve ever had in the world, today.
I wore 1 pair of pants, 3 t-shirts, 2 pair of socks and 3 pair of skivies for 5 weeks so until you’ve done the same, don’t judge me!
My last walk in Spain was to the Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse built by the Romans to guide ships into the Port of A Coruna. Like Fisterra, this area is littered with wrecks that span the ages. This structure has been in use for almost 2000 years, incredible.
The man at the hotel desk offered to call a cab to take me there. After over 500 miles on the Camino, I figured I could make this last 10k on my own.
Packing my pack for the return is very different than packing to begin The Camino. While I was very good about packing what I needed and I used everything that I brought, I now find I’m throwing many things away, I just no longer need a potty-pack. Any weight loss will be made up for by adding my boots which have proven to be well worth the investment.
Sad and happy, I’m ready to be home with Susan, Ariel and Boo. I’m engaging with work and I look forward to that as well. The Camino has helped clear my mind.
Fly from LCG to LIS and then on to JFK tomorrow, can’t wait to get home!