17 June to Santiago Cathedral

Just before 7

Just before 8 I headed down the road to the Pilgrim Office. I knew I was not eligible for a Compostela, but I did want to ask for a stamp in my journal. One Malaysian girl had been waiting since 7:30. She had heard the first ten people would get a ticket to lunch at the Posh Parador and she wanted to be one of them.

By 9am, opening time, there were more than the ten.

The security guard called me in and asked if I had filled out the form online. No, I explained as I showed him my journal-credential, I am not eligible for a Compostela, because I do not have an official credential.

Are you a pilgrim?

Where did you start walking?

How far have you walked?

Do you WANT a Compostela if it’s possible?

It seemed a bit rude to say I don’t care for the certificate but I’d love a lunch ticket, so I said yes…and reiterated that there are rules that have to be followed. He insisted I should get one, and filled in all my details on the computer.

When I got to the issuing desk, I apologised and said I understood I was not able to receive a Compostela and the guy oohed and aahed over my journal and said it was clear I had walked and of course I could have a certificate.

9:30am and I met my brother-in-law and sister-in-law for churros con chocolate at our favourite little spot.

After a great catchup, we parted ways for a while, so I could attend the mass and do lunch.

The system has changed since the other time I had the opportunity to have this meal. Now, instead of being hustled through the hotel to the staff cafeteria and helping yourself at the extensive buffet, you are seated with other patrons and food is brought to the table, far more food than we could eat.

It was a great surprise to then bump into bil and sil again and spend the rest of the afternoon together until they needed to be on a bus to the airport.

At that point the day deteriorated a little!

When I had checked in the owner had charged me more than she had quoted, but I was in a hurry to get to the cathedral and so I had paid rather than lose my bed. Now I had found her quote so I was ready to fight for the principle. Quite the battle ensued…and at the time of writing this was ongoing!

In the meantime I scoped out alternative accommodation for other nights.

Now I get to share a bunk with someone who clearly thinks it is fine to move my raincoat and drape their stuff over the whole bunk!! At least I’ll be out of here in the morning. And it was a great most-of-the-day.