Day 31: Arco de Pino to Santiago de Compostela (Deija)

Day 31: Arco de Pino to Santiago de Compostela
12.5 Miles
488.5 Miles

Today Auna and I had *planned* on waking ourselves up early and making the hike into Santiago finish faster than calculated. 

This didn't happen...

Mr. March woke both of us up at 5:45, this was late. Everyone else seemed to be awake and out of the hostel and we weren't. This is quite frightening, the thought of not having a place to sleep does that to you. Mr. March assured us that we would be fine bed wise, it was the lines to receive the certificate, and the people being everywhere that were going to be a problem. The only lame thing about that is, we can't really avoid the large crowds of people and the lines. It was the day of the festival. July 25th. EVERYONE was going to be in Santiago. Devout pilgrims who planned to arrive on this day, new pilgrims with the same initial plan, tourists, more tourists, locals, and then, us. All in the same place at once and really enjoying themselves...at least I was. 

Once we received our certificates, we went to rest on some steps near the cathedral. We met up with our friend Min (which was super exciting) and he sat with us. Min began to show us a video of the light show that had happened at the cathedral the night before which we had missed, and Auna and I were acting like children in a candy store almost instantly. 

"Ooooh! Whoa!"

"Ohmygod. Oh. Oh!"

"That is so freaking awesome! Oh, wow!"

"Di-did you see that!?"

With ten minutes of video left Mr. March decides to let us sit and enjoy ourselves while he runs off and completes a few errands, but before he leaves he hands both Auna and I a small stack of letters that are from our family and friends. Our mothers, siblings, best two friends, two favorite teachers, and Auna's stepfather all wrote to us before the trip, and we were now able to read the letters (of which we knew nothing about) because we had finished. 

We were finally to Santiago. 

We were here in one piece. 

We were happy. 

We made it.

Let me say that again, "WE FREAKING MADE IT!" 

I don't know what to think now... I loved reading the letters from my family and friends/teachers. It was great being able to hear their voices telling us to be proud of ourselves, happy that we accomplished something this big, and just to say hi in general. 

Tyser's nicknames for Auna and I were a reminder of what type of person he really is. "Pain in the butt Zavala"? Really? Thanks Tyser. "Blister foot Godinez"? Wow. Crimson's letters to us reminded us of being mindful and also remembering that she loved us. I love you too, Crisman! :) 

My mom and brothers letters made me slightly depressed on this happy day. I'm not blaming anyone...but why do you have this effect on me? Nainoa, your letter was the sweetest, cutest, most amazing this ever. I miss you so much, and I can't wait to see you. Mom, thank you so much, for everything, you have been there for me, and I miss you so much it's not even funny. I love you both! :) 

Jessi, you're one of the most amazing friends I could ever ask for. Even though we have some differences in opinion, I know that we can get through them together. Because we're a force that no one shall mess with. I love you! *Feed the bird!*

Jasmine. Jasmine, Jasmine, Jasmine... I don't even know what to say. We will talk about this when I get home, there is a long discussion that we need to have. I am in disappointed in you young lady. HOW. DARE. YOU. Make me love you this much. Hey, btw, we totally need hang when I get home. Discussion time! :) *Claps and cheers!*

Back to my day. 

Two. Words. "Light. Show."

The most freaking amazing thing. Ever. They turn off all the lights in the cathedrals' square and portray this 3D light show on the cathedrals front. So awesome. Don't even have words. Just search the video on YouTube. It won't be as cool...but it can try. They had a freaking dragon, Mom! So cooooool! Seriously. I was flipping out. Not only did they have a dragon, and awesome 3D-ness, they had scores from amazing action movies... And I recognized the songs! I'm pretty sure they just borrowed Hans Zimmers most awesome pieces and put them together. So great. Ahhhh. 

After the light show was over we had approximately eight minutes to get ourselves back to the hostel before it locked the gates and we slept outside. RUN! 

We didn't make it in time, but someone opened the door to the side of the gates after we banged on it a few times. Whew. Close call. It's past midnight though, time for bed. We leave for Finisterre tomorrow morning, but hopefully not too early. :)