Cafe con Leche

The taxi arrived almost immediately after the desk clerk ordered one for me. The route out of town wrapped behind the Parador Hotel and offered one last glimpse of the cathedral. It was an odd feeling leaving the city behind, almost akin to leaving your high school for the last time. You know you’ve had your experience within those walls and it molded who you would become. Anyone who entered afterward would have their own experience, as did the people who preceded you.

The Camino Frances actually finishes with some of the path running alongside the airport.  I managed to see some of the inbound pilgrims as they were finishing up their last day. There were individuals, couples, and large groups. Today those large groups look celebratory. They weren't invading my Camino space in any way. Not because I wasn't on the trail with them. It was more like I had been where they were and I wished them the best experience possible. If proceeding down the trail in exuberance is their style, that is perfect. 

Now I’m at the airport enjoying my last piece of Galacian cake with some really good cafe con leche. It seems appropriate to digest the delicious dessert and ruminate on the experience of the last 35 days at the same time.

I'll never go back to my high school again. I'll never come back to Santiago again. It's not a sad thing. I believe it is a growth thing. Like so many people before me, I put this experience chip in my pocket and move on.

I've already got my next walk planned. If I do another Camino it will probably end in Rome. I wonder who I might meet on that trail?