My pension is near the cathedral and between 2 large churches of which I can see from the window of my 3rd floor room. A fantastic view, the downside being the chiming of the church bells all night long. Better than sleeping with snorers as at least I get 55 minutes sleep per hour!

No surprise then I didn’t get out till 8:30am but even at that hour the streets were quiet. My aim was to snag the one small washer at the laundromat before anybody else – mission accomplished.

My next to do was to sort out what to do with my extra baggage that I’ll not be forwarding during my walk to Fisterra. I managed to carry my pack just fine on the Espiritual Variente so I should be fine this coming week, I don’t think I added any additional weight (a shirt & pants but removed my dress & scarf). I visited all the offices that offer storage but then I had the brilliant idea to ask the Pensión I have a reservation at next week when I return = no problem, so that issue’s solved.

Chores done, I now have the day to reacquaint myself with Santiago, it being 8 years since I’ve last been here.

I visited the Mercado, or fresh fruit/meat/cheese market. It is thriving with almost all the stalls full which is nice to see in this era of mega supermarkets.

I walked up and down all the streets checking out the shops and cafes; window shopping and people watching. There’s plenty of pilgrim souvenirs offered at all price points, I bought myself a nice little Camino shell pendant.

I stepped into a grey, nondescript church on one street, taken with the intricate carving above the entry which was half-hidden by the low portico. As soon as entered I saw a dour priest sitting in his confession box waiting for his next customer so I did my best to look pious and presentable in my hiking clothes. Then a raucous vacuum blared to life, quite ruining the solemnity of the moment. Grinning, I took that as my cue to escape.

Realizing that I was supposed to be “resting” today I returned to my hotel for another delicious three course lunch in the awesome garden restaurant, followed by a few hours of reading and planning my upcoming nights accommodations.

So, I think I’m all set for my next camino starting tomorrow. I don’t know much in advance of what to expect so it shall be interesting! I just hope the weather will be kind…