Finisterre Camino July 2013: 17 June - Santiago to Negreira

Left huge, cold, awful albergue of Seminario Menor Albergue de Peregrinos. This place was used by pilgrims for centuries. We have become pampered and do not like cold or sleeping in dormitories.

As I walked into the medieval centre of Santiago I watched the high school drop-off congestion.
Went to Obradoiro Square in front of the Cathedral. Took some photos and took the route suggested at Santiago tourism – Galician tourism had been closed (late and Sunday) and no book shops had been open. I just followed the yellow arrows. Bumped into Petra as she was going into the centre from her albergue. Saw all the Santiago mothers and fathers taking their kids to crèche.

The path meandered out of town. I had no map! I just followed arrows that did not seem to follow a clear direction. Felt much better when some people overtook me, it meant I was on the right road. It started to rain. Visibility became poor. On I went. At a bar met some youngsters who gave me a map, so small it would fit in the palm of my hand. And that was the only map I had for my rainy wet trip to Fisterra. The route was marked for three walking days, 22, 33 and 30. There was no way I could do those long distances but ...

I walked, I walked. I bought and carried extra bocadellios in view of no bars on the map.

First town of Negreira – I went into the first hotel, Tamara, to get accommodation. They must get used to dripping people arriving with their sticks, rucksacks and ponchos. Dinner was served after 8 so I washed clothes, towel-dried them, slept, and went down later. The bar/dining room was managed by 1 person with at least 10 tables, and about 15 at the bar. These Spanish people move quicker than South African hotel/bar staff. The rain continued throughout the meal.

The pilgrim passport collected many stamps.