Santiago

In Arzua there are 30 in the Albergue and 30 more in the village square where i sit for an hour---its as if i.ve been beamed to another country---where are all the people i.ve been travelling with---and where did THESE people come from--i eat on my own 3rd time in 4 days--only 6 times in 34 days--feeling flat. In no hurry next morning--take a break in a roadside cafe about 10---and decided that instead of going to the nearest place to Santiago--to get there in time for the Pilgrims mass on wed at 12---i would stop earlier at a place for 15 instead of 120--its an inspired choice---I get a single bed--with sheets,blankets AND towel and in a little alcove on my own---there are also 7 double bunks----also a lovely communal dinner--about 6 different nationalities---and lots of laughter---my soul is feeling much better. NEXT DAY THEY ALSO HAVE BREAKFAST and i dont leave till 8---walk steadily--meet up with susie--an Austrian girl who was the only other english speaker at a dinner a week ago---we walk together for a while---and then walk with granya for a while.About 4km out I dont know which way to go---and there is a group of 6 blind pilgrims--all with their guide dogs---and their leader who has no dog but is only 5% sighted---AND I ASK THE BLIND MAN WHICH WAY TO GO---he points left---so i go left and im reassured 1km later when i look back and they are all following me---and then I get to a major intersection and no arrows---and realise ive gone the wrong way---so i retrace my steps---and all the blind people follow me again. NOTE--Add 2km to tally. Coming into the city i wanted the Cathedral to appear in all its glory around a corner---instead i came in via a back door---about 6 other pilgrimsbut none i knew---im glad its over but no tears or euphoria---i go out to the main square--more pilgrims but no one i know--i sit in the square contemplating my next move when granya--- bless her--- appears--says theres a lunch organised with dominic and marie---and dinner later with others---suddenly the world takes on colour again---i realise how much i depend on familiar faces to sustain me in my day. I book a room where Granya is staying $90 a night--Meet Danielle,maria,Frank Marie,Dominic at lunch---hugs all round---later meet Jethro, Thomas Fritz. at 6 go looking for an internet and run into Helene--still with backpack on---just walked 40 kms---was robbed of 300E where id left her with a migraine. She was looking for a place to stay. SOOOOOOOOO really glad to be here---its definately the hardest thing physically ive ever done---its been a huge rollercoaster emotionally and spiritually---ill be processing aspects of this trip for years--its probably the best thing ive done for myself--apart from marriage. I couldnt have done it without all your support---its been wonderful and constant and generous and never let me forget i was very loved---and THAT makes a huge difference in anyones life. My advice--DO IT !!!! Have to go its 11 at night---a long day