The Praza do Obradoiro “Workshop Square” in front of the Cathedral de Santiago was awash with emotion as Pilgrims young and old, walked or limped their way to this long awaited moment. There was not a dry eye on the plaza as men and women, who had spent time outside of their comfort zone to complete their Camino, began to walk in. Each individual who walked in carried more than their backpack on their shoulders. They will leave their load in Santiago and go home a different person.

At mass we are told to take the Camino home with you. What part of “the Camino” is up to the individual as the Camino will hit you at some point during the walk. It is extraordinary, as on this trip I was aware of younger people saying, “It will change my life forever” or “There is nothing like it”.

One young German man, asked us to take his picture and we were having a good time taking the pictures and kidding around with him. He then laid down on the ground looking at the photographs taken, all while tears were rolling down his face. I guess every now and then it is good to stop, smell the roses and take stock of one’s life.

Yes, yet again, I have enjoyed my Camino. I owe everything to dear Michael’s endless planning and then his bringing it all to fruition. He is pure genius, my hero with loads of caring.

It is at this point, that I would also like, as always, to say a huge, “Thank you” to our Spanish hosts for being so gracious, so warm, so friendly, so forgiving, “Don’t worry, be happy!”. We have unusual requests for breakfast when it is still dark out and for dinner when the sun has barely set. Yet, we are always served with the endearing Spanish spirit. What a delight to feel so welcomed. In my best Spanish, “¡Mil Gracias!”