22 June Santiago

I had wondered a week ago as I reached Santiago if I was done with long distance walking. For two days now I have not had a pack on my back and when I put it on this afternoon to go to my new accommodation for the last two nights before heading to Madrid, and when I took the first few steps along the path, it felt right, comfortable, enjoyable. It probably helped that the bag was light (no extra food or water), the sun was finally shining and the air did not have the slightest chill to it. I think I head home motivated to get the right Achilles strengthened so that it CAN manage long distances. I head home motivated to keep learning Spanish and to continue a daily drawing practice. And if there’s another Camino in the future I won’t be bringing cross stitch!

That said, I don’t regret bringing it; I just discovered knitting is better, because you can do it AND look at people at the same time.

Speaking of cross stitch, I took it for a wee walk to the cathedral today. I didn’t like my chances of getting a photo in front of the cathedral on such a busy Saturday afternoon, so I stopped at the back:

But ever the optimist, I tried smack bang in front of the cathedral too. I set it up and then waited, crouched on the ground a few metres away for a woman in high heels, jeans and a white leather jacket, who obviously thought standing in the prime position on the square was the ideal spot to have a five minute phone call!! Eventually she shuffled sideways.

I then wrote this blog post while listening to these guys:

I was so taken with their repertoire that I went down to where they were so I could try drawing them in my journal (I’m particularly scared of doing people and really don’t know where to start, but I figure practice can’t hurt). I was enjoying it so much I did an extra picture in my spare notebook.

After a while one of them noticed what I was doing and asked for a photo when I was done. I asked them to autograph the page!

If you look very closely, you’ll see Lino drew and arrow straight at his derrière. When he had looked at the picture – just like all the others – he looked for himself, and then chuckled in perfect English, “Oh thanks, you drew my fat ass!” His arrow was very particular!

As I wandered around the streets, somewhat aimlessly, but taking alleys I’ve not walked before, I realised I was needing a rest these last few days (which I have had), and that now I am ready to be more inquisitive again!