WHAT HAPPENS IN SANTIAGO

Hurray! I made it! I walked into Santiago in the pouring rain on Friday October 18, 2013 at approximately 1:30 pm.  There is a long line of Peregrinos at the Pilgrim Office.  We are all waiting for the same thing...that final moment of completion.  It is my turn to go to the counter to present my Credentiale (actually 2 of them) filled with sellos from every stop along the way. The volunteer Pilgrim-Amigo behind the counter gives me a warm greeting and welcome.  She carefully exams my two Credentiales, inquires about my walk and congratulates me for completing the trek.  I am overcome with emotion.  My face is covered with my broad grin and tears are streaming from my eyes.  The pilgrim waiting behind me gave me a big hug.   I received my Compostela. I completed what I set out to do. I did it on my own. I did it at my own pace. WHEW! I'm ready to start life anew!

I was proud to wear my American Pilgrim patch everyday. 

Here is my Compostela in Latin.

Here are segments from the two Credentiales I presented . They were stamped (sello ) front and back , beginning and end with the official  Santiago sello and completion date.

Tomorrow I hope to see the BOTAFUMEIRO!