As usual, we were the last ones out of the albergue and, as usual, we stopped almost everywhere along the trail. (We had burgers for lunch!)

We high-fived and hugged upon entering the city limits, but the old town was actually still a long way away.

As we arrived at Santiago’s main square, the tears started to flow.

We had just walked down an ancient path to this hallowed city and followed in the footsteps of so many pilgrims before us. Our stories were all different, but we all suffered on that road to Santiago and persevered to get here.

We went straight to the cathedral to pay our respects.

Later in the evening, we got our Compostelas.

And we celebrated noisily up and down the old streets of Santiago. Three became 12 became 20 became 50. It was madness! An amazing end to an incredible journey.

To my fellow Peregrinos Filipinos and to everyone I met along the way, my angels, thank you from the bottom of my heart and my smelly sneakers for making my Camino truly special. You were the boost that I needed to get up every morning, pack and repack that backpack, and take one excruciating step after another on gravel paths and rocky trails, through asphalt roads and forest tracks, to keep following those yellow arrows that brought me here to Santiago. Gracias por todo. May the love, kindness and joy you bring to the world be returned to you a hundred fold and light the path you take from Santiago. Buen Camino!