June 26

Arrived in Santiago at 9:0am.
The last 10km. Are nothing to write home about, suburbs, city, traffic and lots of people and traffic lights.
Walking up to the Cathedral was amazing. I walked with Brigitte which was nice as we walk the same tempo. There were so many pilgrims, many without a pack but you can tell by their limping that thy are pilgrims. Went straight to the pilgrim office to get the Compostela. There was just a small lineup which is rare, but it was early and most pilgrims arrive at noon. I was hoping not to cry but when I got to the lineup lots of pilgrims were crying for joy to have made it. All along the way the Compostela did not seem important, but once I got  there I really wanted it. A quick scan of the list showed me that on my page I was the oldest one. Went to the pilgrim mass at noon and all the countries and number of pilgrims get mentioned, from Canada there were 5. Brigitte was the only one from switzerland. The town is teeming with people. It is amazing how many people I met with whom we started out in St. Jean. We greet each other like long lost friends. Met Barbara with the hip replacement, two dutch couples, and lots of pilgrims from recent stops. Just now the Spanish couple who had a bet that I will never make it to Santiago walked in, big surprise and big halloo.
For me this walk is the hardest thing I ever did (besides having and raising a family)    but also the best and most rewarding.
I could not have done this walk without the support of you all, your mails and posts kept me going and your spirit gave me the strength to go on. So the Compostela is for all of us as in spirip you walked every step with me.
How Blessed I am.
Hugs
Grateful Pilgrim.