Vigo, Spain - Santiago de Compostela

Buenos Dias,

Boy has this stop been a surprised. In the best sense possible. I had heard of Santiago de Compostela, but I did not associate with Viro. Santiago is the burial sight of the Apostle St. James. It has been honored as such for centuries. The Catholic nobility, i.e. Kings and Queens visited this sight for years. I paid for this tour. I missed the opportunity of being an escort. It was well worth. Santiago is a little over an hour outside of Viro. The tradition is that people hike to the Cathedral and I mean hike. There are number of approaches each with a different name such as the French trail, the British trail etc. They all lead the pilgrim to the plaza in front of the Cathedral. When I got to the plaza in front of the Cathedral I saw hikers/pilgrims entering the plaza embracing each other in tears of joy. Each hiker has their walking stick. On the stick is a shell with a cross in red. A symbol of St. James. It was a spectacular sight. The entire complex is from the middle ages. The Cathedral is spectacular. I'll have stories galore on this visit.

This trip has a turn of a pilgrimage, Rome, Fatima, Santiago de Compostela not to mention the cities,islands,sights all of which was unbelievable. I am a blessed person, I recognize this and am fortunate to celebrate with people like you because of your support, love and care. Thank you one all.

Next stop Southampton and then London till May 5th then home to Newark Airport. I will be in touch once I get to London. I'll miss the royal wedding by one day, but I am sure there will be an afterglow. There are activities on board ship with champagne, cake and a viewing of the event in the theater. I'll get involved, I don't have much of a chance with all the Brits around.

Take care.

Love,

Bill