We are home. At least the body is. The head space missed a connection and is stuck in a transfer lounge in some timeless airport cathedral. It will get here eventually.
Flying is a great way to go somewhere but a lousy way to come home. 36 hours, 3 bus rides, 1 train ride, 5 flights, 7 movies which merged to became one huge long complicated plot. How can you savour all the memories of a wonderful experience while going through all that. I should have started walking from Santiago and just come home slowly. Barbara always can’t wait to get home, me not so much.
We were proceeded by an angel. There was fresh milk in the fridge, the hot water had been turned on, there was a welcome home sign. We saw hundreds of images and statues of angels in Spain. I know a real one right here.
The battery charger is hooked up to the van, the first load of washing is on, there still seems to be enough money for the insurance and the rates. Home.
We went round to our local cafe and Trevor had forgotten our regular order. He always used to know two long blacks and brioche. He and Vivienne want to do the Camino next year so we talked about our experience but I just didn’t know how to explain it. Barry joined us. He walked the Camino last year and talked non stop about his journey. I didn’t understand much of what he said.
Barbara wanted to go to the beach, her happy place. So we walked down there. The tide was in and the waves were smashing against the sea wall so we didn’t actually go onto the beach. I thought this is where we should burn our boots and walking clothes. Not the lighthouse at Cape Finisterre. This is where our camino ended. There was a sign “Light no fires”.
The first load of washing was done. After the beach I even felt good about that. Until I discovered a red paper tissue had been left in a pocket and was now in a zillion pieces on every item of clothing. Welcome home.
Tomorrow I will open the shed. Get the bikes out. Go for a little ride up to Peka Peka. We haven’t been on a bike for 8 weeks. We live on bikes. It will be strange at first but after a couple of kilometres it will again seem like the bike is part of your body. Welcome home.