Best hotel EVER

After 53 days of trekking, sleeping in hard cold and squeaky beds, surrounded by snorers and folk who think its ok to rattle plastic bags and turn on the light at 4 am, almost anything would have ben a welcome respite when we arrived in Santiago. We truly lucked out when we booked the Smart Boutique Hotel Literario San Bieit.  Thought not quite the luxury of the Parador, it lived up to its promises of being a boutique and exclusive hideaway in the centre of the old town.

This is a photo of us flopping into soft beds and nearly crying because it was so clean and comfortable.

We loved everything about the hotel. It's location, the service, the feeling of being welcomed, the beauty of the internal design and its lively environment. We felt as cosy as at home, while enjoying the magic and novelty of being away and being spoilt.

The kitchen area was a brilliant and innovative idea - I've never seen or heard of this in any other place.  Instead of a kettle and the normal bits and bobs you find in most hotels - stuck uncertainly on some bench near the doorway, this hotel offered the first floor as a communal kitchen area. it meant that we got to meet other travellers, and was not tied into having breakfast at a set point. The kitchen was open for guests 24 hours a day, with its supplies restocked at regular intervals.

The kitchen had tables and chairs in a cafeteria style arrangement with a TV on a low volume in the corner. There was a toaster with both brown and white bread available, along with a number of spreads to put on it.

In the fridge were sliced cheese and ham, bowls of apples, pears and oranges along with several juices and yoghurts.

On the bench alongside the cereals, coffee maker and selection of herbal and normal black teas, were two home baked cakes.  These were replenished every day. Sometimes we were treated with creme caramels!

This little oasis was a real treat and such a great idea. There was space for us to eat if we bought takeouts, or we could make lunch/ dinner/ snacks at any time of the day or night.

We were literally 2 mins walk to the Cathedral, with shops and a real buzz right below us in the street.

It was a little pricier than I'd normally go for - but to be honest - I forgot about that once we settled in and relaxed. It was so worth it.

Pilgrim Mass in Santiago Cathedral

The iconic insence burner, sweeping its cleaning smoke across the church and mass in Latin is something, even if you arent Catholic, is something every pilgrim looks forward to seeing at the end of thier walk. 

Even without really knowing what is being said, it holds a powerful and moving presence. The nun who sang last year was still hard at her role today. Her incrediblly strong passionate voice rang clear across the multitudes.

I've taken some shots of the cathedral. Literally hindreds of pilgrims, stuffed tight into every nook and cranny. Whst is amazing, is knowing that it is this full every day, with new pilgrims arriving every day. 

We managed to climb down the stairs to view the tomb of St James and then secure a pozzy out of the main thoroughfare.

I believe that the pilgrims names who had arrived and registered the day prior are read out, but amongst all the other latin, it was difficult to determine if names were being read out or a shopping list!

A brilliant environment and one difficult not to be moved by. 

Easy peasy into O Pedrouzo

We walked an enormous 4 km today and stopped. One because its super hot, and two, it was a good spot to pull up before the last day into Santiago tomorrow.

I enjoyed a few lemon beers ( lots of softdrink lemon and topped with a light beer) and enjoyed it more using facetime video to Michael, as he had just finished work and cracked one open too. Aint technology grand?

Lilly remembers the town from last year, and as we walked around, it came back very quickly. 

One thing that we all remembered was the amazing sizzling steak place. After seeking it out, we had what had to have been hands down, THE most amazing steak ever. No dressing or condiments needed.. Just bread to mop up the juices ( sorry vego mates) I don't eat meat often, but for this, I make the exception.

Its a late night tonight. Full moon and important soccer ( football) match on.. Noone sleeps those nights.

About 15 or so km tomorrow, which we will attempt to do when its cooler and early.

We sleep our last night in an Albergue tomorrow night in Santiago. Its very very wierd to think this has now finished.