26. Finisterre back to Santiago 5/8/12

There were a lot of people already at the bus stop by the time I got there at 9am and it wasn't due to leave till 9.30.  There were also 3 bikes.  Part of the appeal for me for walking was that I could get the bus back to Santiago - as I thought that if I'd taken my bike I would have had to bike back.  After seeing the way that the bikes were overlapped I was quite pleased mine wasn't in that pile.  Two of the cyclists were a young couple. They had walked the camino from St Jean Pied-de-Port and thought it would make a nice change to cycle the last three days - so they rented bikes.  The poor things though hated it. The woman said her bottom was black from bruising and they had to walk up all the hills. I don't think they'll be going on a cycling holiday in the next few years.

The scenery was lovely on the way back as the road went through lots of seaside towns.

This photo was taken for you Jeff - it's not finished being built yet

This was taken from the bus near Santiago.
It's amazing how the weather can change in just a few kilometers. 

Antoinette didn't see much of the scenery!

I think I must have taken the longest route possible walking back from the bus station in Santiago to the cathedral.  Myself and a German guy were as useless as each other re having a sense of direction - but together finally found our way back after asking about 4 different people who each seemed to send us back in the direction we'd come.   It was all confusing but fun walking round the streets.  I thought that we'd get a glimpse of a steeple or something old sticking up so we could see what direction to go in - but no.

After I got back to the cathedral I went in and saw the Swinging Thingy hanging up so I was very excited that I would get to see it again.  I didn't have long to wait - and it was just as great to see it this time as the first time.

This is just a few seconds showing the monks getting the Swinging Thingy going.

This is a monk stopping the Swinging Thingy.

This is the nun singing while the priests are giving out the bread (no wine though - they must have had to make cutbacks - no wonder the people were demonstrating the other day).

Overkill of photos again - but I like them

These are of the pulley system - I think they are better than the ones I took the other day. I'll expect you'll be able to tell me how it all works when I get home Jeff :)

I had the loveliest couple of hours wandering round after the mass and I sat and had coffee at a couple of places in the sun and just watched people go by. I love wondering the streets here.  Then it was to the hostal to check in and have a hot shower. 

My bike had had a nice holiday/rest with his bike friends. The bike shed was packed when I got back.

There he is.  The one looking relaxed and leaning on the pole. 

It's a great bike shed - can't believe how many bikes were in there though

I was put on the third floor this time - which suited me as it's near the common room and the coffee machine I frequent (for coffees in the day and hot chocolate when I get home at night).  On entering the room I saw that I had a flat screen.  I'd been told previously the 24 euro single rooms didn't have TVs - and I didn't think I needed one - but then remembered about the Olympic Games and was really happy when I checked and found that 2 channels are exclusively for the Olympic Games.  

At 7.30 I went back to town and met up with the Kiwi couple Antoinette and James and another couple for dinner at an Italian restaurant.  After dinner bumped into a Kiwi guy Steve that I'd met on the Camino previously.  

Then it was back home to watch all the highlights of the Olympic Games. I've been really impressed with the coverage.  Shame I can't understand Spanish!