Back to Santiago

This morning I had to get out early because the bus left at 6:15. I would have preferred a little later, but the next one wouldn't have left until the afternoon. But I was able to relax a little on the bus. Was back in Santiago shortly after 8. I actually just wanted to drop off my luggage at Hostal Mafer, but I was even able to move into my room. How cool. So I first made myself a coffee (you can have coffee, tea, water and a small breakfast all day for free) and chilled out in bed. At 10 I set off for the cathedral. The accommodation may be located. 5-10 minutes away from the city center, but also 5 minutes to the bus station, where I have to go again tomorrow, so perfect. I sat down at the cathedral for half an hour. This place will always remain magical for me, even when there is a lot of hustle and bustle at lunchtime or in the evening, I can relax there. Then I picked up my Compostela and got a voucher for lunch (this is what the first 10 pilgrims who arrive each day get). I read about it in the pilgrim guide but completely forgot it. It was a pleasure. Then I went out and chilled in front of the cathedral. It's great to see people arriving. The joy, the burden that falls away and I always have to think about my first arrival. Anyway, I went to the cathedral and listened to the pilgrim mass at 12 o'clock. It was very nice and not as crowded as in July this year. You couldn't get a seat there if you hadn't been there over an hour before it started. Now an entire side wing was empty or blocked. The fair is really a nice conclusion and is now part of Santiago for me. The first time I couldn't go to mass or there was only one in another church because the cathedral was being restored. Afterwards I'll go to dinner. This took place in an upscale restaurant and was with seven other pilgrims. It was another really nice exchange with the others. Everyone has walked a different path and you can just tell that people who make pilgrimages are open-minded. The food was also excellent. Of course there was wine and water. And then I was really full. Then go back to Cathedral Square and relax. I was a little tired, but I still wanted to go to the Pilgrim Museum. I was like that on my first Camino de Santiago, but I thought it was so beautiful back then. Entry is free for pilgrims and it is very informative and everything is in Galician, Spanish and English. There were also cool animated films and you learned so much in general about pilgrimage and history. Afterwards I went to my accommodation and drank coffee and tea in bed.

After a short break, I went out again and walked through Santiago. In general, Santiago has been too touristy for me and I prefer smaller cities like Porto and Muxia, but Santiago just has something. And next time I might stay in Santiago for a few days. Maybe it seems that way to me because it's generally not that crowded in the city because of the off-season. Afterwards I ate something at home, took a shower and learned to appreciate my privacy again with my own room with a bathroom. Tomorrow we're going to Oviedo and I'm looking forward to that too.