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This morning I will leave Santiago and head out on the "Finisterre Way" (my previous route was the "Portuguese Way"). This is a loop that leaves Santiago and heads west to the sea with the 2 main destinations being Finisterre (fin-eh-STAIR-ah) and Muxia (moo-SHE-ah). It is a loop where the first 2 and last 2 days are the same, and pilgrims choose to do them in either order from Santiago. It takes a full 7-9 days of walking, and most pilgrims opt for the bus to see one or both cities.
I am choosing to do Finisterre then Muxia. It is said that Finisterre (Columbus called this the end of the world before traveling west to find other land) is where you go to let go of things. There is a fire pit where pilgrims burn something of theirs to symbolize the end of something - their journey, their past, etc. Muxia, on the other hand is a place of new beginnings, rebirth, etc. So, it is said to go to Finisterre to let go of the old, and Muxia to embrace the new.
So, I'm off. And, oh yeah, I'm taking the bus ;). But I read that the last 11 miles or so into Finisterre is very pretty, so I'm taking a bus to Cee, staying over there, and walking into Finisterre tomorrow.
Began the morning finding the San Franciscan church in Santiago. This year is the 800 year anniversary of the Franciscans, and they are offering a special Compostela this year only. I'm so glad I heard about this, or I may never have sought out this church. It was so beautiful. Much simpler than other churches, but absolutely stunning. I received my Compestela (with Kristi Moen, thank you very much), and took some time to wander around before heading off to the bus station.
On the bus ride, I got my first glimpses of the ocean. Wow. The coastline is so beautiful. Can't wait to see more over the next few days.
I was the only person who got off the bus in Cee (all others going on to Finisterre), and the temp by the sea was at least 20 degrees cooler, and there were gale force winds. Wish I wouldn't have "donated" that last pair of longer pants!!
I had hotel reservations at a perfectly fine place. Queen bed, private bath, tv, etc. Checked in, sat on the bed, and decided to go for a quick walk. On the next block, I passed by an albergue (it wasn't in my book, so booked hotel). Thought it wouldn't hurt to take a peek. It was noisy, smelly (2 resident dogs and 1 cat), and crowded - perfect. I immediately returned to hotel and asked to leave (they were very nice about it) and moved to the albergue. I'm either crazy, or have officially become a pilgrim. Had a great night sleep ;)
Off to Finisterre tomorrow!
Stats:
Start: Santiago, Spain
End: Cee, Spain
2.5 hours by bus
Blisters: 0!!! Feeling good!!
- comments
olsonc58 You're nuts for leaving the hotel. How will you sleep when you get home? Will Tom have to put bunk beds in the basement?
Diane You must be a true Pilgrim to pass up a hotel room! Wow! Very impressive!!!