Day 15/16: from Santiago to Madrid (and home again)

I couldn’t sleep in the morning, so I got up early to find an open cafe for some coffee and breakfast.

The street cleaner and I had the city to ourselves for a while and it was beautiful watching the day lighten behind the Cathedral.

Later, Marie and I met Lena for a quick Goodbye and took a cab to the train station.

Normally I enjoy a nice train ride, but I was seated by a flatulent Spanish businessman who reeked of last night’s alcohol and beer nuts. It was NOT a pleasant 3 hours and at times, it was actually nauseating. Ah well, soon enough, it was off to the hotel I booked for the night.

Once in Madrid, I secured a ticket to see Theatro Flaminco de Madrid and enjoyed a spectacular presentation of expert Flaminco dancing, singing, and Spanish guitar. It was quite moving and full of fun, bravado, and passion.

After dinner at the hotel, I totally crashed. In the morning, it was just a quick trip via shuttle to the airport. As I write this, I’m in the Madrid Airport ready for the flight home.

I miss my family and my dog and I’m ready to be at home again. The upgraded trans-Atlantic flight was via United Airlines Polaris class. Beyond awesome. The second leg from Newark to Denver was in economy class, full of delays, and a bit of an uncomfortable nightmare, but heck, ya know by now my new motto… “It’s a challenge, not a hardship!” And to see my beautiful daughter’s face at the airport? … beyond wonderful. I am so grateful and blessed.

Final observations? I’m grateful for the opportunity to have completed my second Camino. I was always curious about the Portuguese Way and now I know first hand what it is like to experience it.

This trip was full of challenges, but in some ways, it was easier than my first Camino. I spent more time in Albergue this time and had fewer physical ailments along the way. I also feel like I made a much, much deeper connection to the Cathedral and the city of Santiago. There were fewer crowds there and less rain than I expected.

So this is where my Portuguese Camino adventure ends… and where the rest of my camino begins.

Ultreia!

Cheers! V-