Day 16. Day in Santiago!

Saturday 10th May 2025

Robin didn’t sleep well as people stay out late to celebrate! When we get up we also discover that there is a race through Santiago today. On looking it up it’s a 10k race that starts at 10pm. We decide to embrace it and stay out late tonight!! We start the day with a tour, we learn a lot about St James and the history of Santiago. The story goes that his two apostles brought him back to Galicia to be buried and found a place on the top of a hill. It was hidden for many centuries then someone had a vision and the angels told him to follow the stars to a field, where he found the remains. The rest is history. But it explains Compostela, compo is field and stela is star, so St James of the field of stars!! The church on the right is the only church dedicated to his mother, good that she got a mention!

After the tour we go to the food market which is amazing. It is really big and lots of local people are buying and selling here. The sit down area is a bit touristy and expensive but the food was great!!

Later in the afternoon we go back to the cathedral for a good look around. This silver box apparently contains the remain of St James. Not sure I really believe it but it’s a good story. Now we know about the significance of the star we see it everywhere! We also go behind the figure of St James( you can see it in the photo on the right), we give him a big hug and make a wish!! Hope it works out. I did hug him but Robin kind of patted his shoulder!!

Later on we go up to the park for a look around, I remember these ladies from last time. We stop at Taberna o Boteco for dinner and it was delicious!! A plate of vegetables which is unusual but welcome. I had the prawns and Robin had Raxo, fried pork and chips!! All really good.

It’s about 9pm by now so we go over to the square to see how the race is coming along! Loads of people milling around and some dancers who are great and a band that everyone loves!! Great party atmosphere as everyone gets ready!!

There are a few time markers we see 40 minutes up to turtle!! Which I love! Later we go to the start, we hadn’t realised how many people were running! They stuff to much fanfare and music!! Our room has a balcony and we are in the final stretch to the finishing line. So we go back there to watch. This is the winner!! He was quite ahead of the 40minute marker! Not sure what a good time is for a 10k, must look it up!!