20/09/2015
Officially our last day, and I am really pleased that it is in such a special place.
For once, we were up rather early, despite not having slept all that well, with tourists partying until the small hours of the morning. At some stage, a Spanish man was yelling at them to stop. This only caused more fits of laughter.
We wanted to spend time in the cathedral. And just linger a little longer in the atmosphere. Very quickly, the streets were filling up. On the various squares surrounding the cathedral, pilgrims were gathering. It felt a bit awkward visiting the cathedral whilst Sunday mass was about to start, but it is so large, that there are actually several smaller chambers, each with their own time for a mass in a different language. I walked around to where some pilgrims were seated, and sat down for a while. I was not entirely sure how things work, and wanted to witness the ceremony where the pilgrims are blessed and mentioned. As the mass started, I decided against that. If ever I get to experience the final step of the Camino, it has to be for the right reason.
On my way out of the cathedral, I saw a man so overcome with emotion, that it was difficult to contain my own. Outside, a group of pilgrims were gathering. With each additional person arriving, elated hugs were given It was obvious that many of these friendships were recently formed along the way, and were bound by such special circumstances, that they would remain in tact for a very long time. In front of the cathedral, a young man was sitting quietly on the ground, looking up at the cathedral, and slowly smoking a cigarette, his backpack still on his back. And then, twice, he bowed to the ground in a yoga-like move. To his left, a young man was pacing up and down. His teary eyes revealing his emotions. His friend, equally emotional, gave him a hug that said it all. They did it. They proceeded to pose triumphantly in front of the cathedral.
It was time for us to leave. We had intruded enough on these very sacred moments. I hope to return one day, though. And I hope to then be able to share a very special experience with new and old friends.
Our time in Portugal and Spain had come to an end. We really loved our time here. The people here are such warm and friendly people. We know that there is a great deal more to be seen and experienced in both these countries, and maybe, one day, we might come back here. Depending on the state of the bucket list, that is.
Halloo! Ek het jou blog link by Lindra Joosten gekry!! Wow wow wow!! Dis amazing!! Ek het gewonder of jy vir my van hulp kan wees. Ek en n vriendin gaan einde Mei na Portiugal toe en wil graag in n apartment bly waar ons selfversorgend kan wees. Ek het gedink om op airbnb te boek maar is vrek onseker oor in watter area om te boek. Kan jy dalk vir my help met voorstelle. Ons gaan bly in Porto, Lisbon en Seville in Spanje, Ek sal sooo dankbaar wees as jy vir my n paar idees kan stuur en in watter area om te kyk.