As I got closer and closer to Km 0, my anticipation and excitement rose. A few pit stops on the Way were my only stops. I was on a mission. Coming over Monte Gozo, about 3kms away from destination, everything changed. Excitement and anticipation both disappeared.
It was such a uninspiring walk. Garry from Spanish Adventures included this in his notes to me but I didn't really pay attention. Well, he was right. It was a boring, disappointing and seemingly never-ending 3km. Those 3km, which felt like 20, were on a major thoroughfare with shops, stores, people, chaos. Ok, I might be exaggerating. It wasn't that chaotic but compared to my last week being in an enchanted forest, it was. I just wanted to get my Compostela at the pilgrim's office and go to the Cathedral.
Things changed when I walked into the Cathedral. It was uplifting and inspiring to see a church so packed. It was standing room only. Most of the mass was in Spanish. I could get about 40% but in any case, the inspiration came not from the homily but from the hundreds (or maybe it was thousands?) of people in the same place all having had a similar experience. Despite the depressing Way to the Cathedral, the Way out was satisfying, rewarding and uplifting.
