The Walk: Day 7

Essentially human – value creation

Thinking: how it will feel at the end of our walk

Doing: completing the Portuguese coastal route to Santiago de Compostela

I had somehow missed – or had blanked the thought – that today’s walk was long.  We were on the road for seven hours with a couple of short stops along the way.  Maybe we were getting slower – my bag definitely felt heavier.

There was the usual walk through the suburbs as we finally got closer to our destination and we could see the city ahead of us. As we got closer to the historic centre of Santiago de Compostela, the streets were cobbled and narrow, and were packed with pilgrims and tourists. The route opened out onto the square in front of the Cathedral – we’d arrived!

How did I feel? To be honest – initially a little flat. It was great to be there but the Cathedral was closed for Mass, so there was no opportunity at that point to experience the awe and wonder of human endeavour that had created that amazing space. That had been how I’d expected to end the journey – in the Cathedral, excited to be where so many pilgrims had ended their walks. Perhaps I shouldn’t have watched Martin Sheen’s The Way, so many times. But it was great to be there, with my friends, and to spot familiar faces as we wandered around the square.

Our hotel was a short walk from the Cathedral. The warm welcome there and the tranquil garden made up for any earlier anti-climax. A friendly, peaceful spot to reflect and recharge. I realised, reaching Santiago de Compostela was not what had been important for me. It was the journey to get there and the people it was shared with. The value created for ourselves and others from self-awareness, reflection, interaction, curiosity and collaboration along the way. Although physically tired – I’m mentally refreshed. I have renewed confidence in myself and a clearer focus on what is important.

I did manage to visit the Cathedral the next morning. I’m glad I went in, it was spectacular. I left Spain with a sense of achievement and  recognition that this was the start of a new journey. I was armed with a large Toblerone (for my son) and bright Camino socks (for my husband), looking forward to seeing my family again.

Buen Camino

Many thanks to:

Issy for her training regime to get me fit enough to complete the walk.

Russ for looking after everything at home while I was away and encouraging me to go on this adventure.

Ari for managing everything at work.

Judith and James for their great company and kindness on the Camino – and for inviting me.