Santiago July 4th

To start July 4th, our last day in Santiago, Dad played a YouTube video on his iPad of Mom singing the National Anthem in 1985 (at one of Dad's basketball games). Walkers from the U.S. sang along in the breakfast room at San Martin Pinario.

At the cathedral's English Mass we asked about leaving the last ex-voto, the heart. The lay volunteer from Vancover, WA said we could leave it by the baskets of intentions where pilgrims left notes -- a perfect spot.

In the Sancti Spiritus Chapel, where the English Mass is held 

The ex-voto (behind the green candle) by the baskets of intentions

Afterwards we went up the stairs behind the altar and hugged St. James, which is a pilgrim tradition.

A shell with St. James' cross fills a corner of the Cathedral's 18th century Chapel of Pilar built in the Baroque style.

The botafumiero took a rest and wasn't swung that day.

Walking sticks for sale at a souvenir stand outside the cathedral

A mistake in booking resulted in an upgraded room at San Martin for 2 days. The last night here will be a "pilgrim rate" room, however -- not quite as fancy, but it does include large bath towels, which are a luxury after weeks on the Road using small camp towels.

Lobby, San Martin Pinario

Small Tarta de Santiago cakes, a traditional dessert in Galicia -- confectioner's sugar is sprinkled on top with a stencil of St. James' cross.

There was a book fair in one of the many plazas that connect winding streets. 

Arrow & shell tiles to bring home

A Spanish friend for Chi Chi in San Diego

For dinner on the last night in Santiago we went to O Dezaseis, another Rick recommendation -- we split a small fish raciones, or dish, along with a salad, Padron peppers, and empanada atun, or tuna. A great place with delicious food at good prices plus a charming setting. 

"Europe was made on the pilgrim road to Compostela" is a quote by the 18th-19th c. German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. It's inscribed in different languages on the Road into the city and speaks of the Camino's importance to the development of culture & society throughout Europe.