I DID IT...........wooooooooooohooooooooo!!!
An emotional and roller coaster walk this morning - so many things and thoughts and so much to ponder!!
This was a hard 18km as my lower back and knee were very bad from my fall....I had to undo the strap of my backpack and put my hands behind my back and lift the pack up from the bottom and hold it there for the last 6km into Santiago - needless to say how my arms felt....I couldn't sit when I arrived as my back was too painful so I chose to lay in the plaza and felt I'd earned the right...even the Police were happy to walk around me!! hehe
I lay there for nearly an hour - crying and in shock and wonderment - so many thoughts. Eventually I dragged my weary body up and found the office to get my Compostela - the Certificate written in Latin to say I've completed this arduous journey in its entirety. Then in search of somewhere to stay for the next 2 nights.
As I was in a lot of pain I decided not to continue looking and checked into the 5* Paradores Hotel on the side of the main plaza where I lay when I arrived....think I had earned it and it was SOOOOO nice to have and use a REAL towel, a shower that was hot and not timed, and had water pressure....not to mention a real bed with fabulous sheets...ahhhhh!!
I check in and scrub up and go in search of a few NON-Pilgrim items of clothing as I had nothing. A bargin of 35euro for a pair of grey skinny jeans, a pair of red sneakers and a navy cardigan - how fab to wear something different!
I remained back at the Hotel from about 7pm as I was too exhausted and chose not to catch up with others - as we had planned to all catch up tomorrow - I needed time alone with my thoughts and pain.
What an amazing experience and journey - I feel extremely fortunate that I´ve been able to do the complete journey - a special thanks to my boss!
A special thank you to my family and friends who have staunchly supported me throughout the inception of this campaign to the end today in Santiago! I´m honoured.
Please remember why I undertook this journey, to raise awareness and funds for Cardiac Research. PLEASE think about this journey I´ve taken and give generously. The donation button is green at the top of the page.
For those who have already donated a huge thank you.
Congratulations and enjoy your day. Entering the city for the first time as a pilgrim is unique and, thought you may have equally rich and rewarding entries to Santiago in the future, there is something especially sweet and poignant about that first experience.
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