The Pilgrim and the Black Cat

Every year, thousands of pilgrims walk the Way of St James (‘El Camino de Santiago’ in Spanish) from France to Santiago de Compostela in the northwest of Spain–a journey of 780 km–just as pilgrims have been doing for more than 1000 years.  The Camino has now become popular for people of all ages and faiths (or lack of faith!) who want a quite unique experience–some who walk the whole distance, and others who just try out a few kms (like me!)  Actually I took the bus, and watched the pilgrims out the window …  Nonetheless, I have to say, watching them was quite inspirational.

Once there, seeing pilgrims arriving at the end of El Camino, in front of the magnificent cathedral, a whole mix of emotions came over them–relief, exhaustion, happiness, pride, and so on.  In fact, I think I would quite like to do it myself one day.

This photo was taken in Santiago of a pilgrim who had just completed his long journey, about to go into O Gato Negro–a tiny restaurant (only five tables!) marked by its bright green door and by the sign of the black cat.

To see what the pilgrims see inside the cathedral once they reach the end of their journey, have a peek at my earlier post on the Botafumeiro of Santiago de Compostela.

About these ads