Before catching the bus to Finisterre, I wanted one last visit to the cathedral – I got there a few minutes after 7am, when it opened and, in the crypt behind the altar, I was totally alone.
Then I donned my backpack and set off for the bus station. After a two hour bus journey along the beautiful coast road, we pulled in to Finisterre and there was my friend Jean waiting for me! She took me to a cafe and put a bowl of yoghurt, muesli and fruit, along with a cup of coffee, in front of me. Bliss!
I hadn’t realized that I was still rather emotional from the Camino experience – in fact I hadn’t quite completed it – and really needed this gentle environment to decompress. Mano, Jean’s partner, joined us and we spent the next couple of hours sharing Camino experiences over coffee. (They had met in Finisterre eleven years ago after having finished the Camino and have been together ever since).
Many people in Finisterre have a connection with the Camino and there is a warmth and open heartedness about the place which provide a safe haven.
Jean and Mano took me back to their apartment where I soaked in a hot bath and relaxed till very soon it was time to go out to a wonderful local restaurant for lunch – where we continued swapping experiences for another 2 hours – and though I had never met Mano before, by now I felt as if I’d known him all my life.
Photos – the port of Finisterre, a wild beach, cliffs to the sea, a popular swimming beach
Before I knew it, it was early evening – just time to walk to one of the nearby beaches – come home for a light supper – and then walk out to the lighthouse at the end of Cap de Finisterre for the spectacular sunset.
The sun setting on the Cap de Finisterre.
August 5th – my last day
After breakfast on the verandah, we set off to the weekly market. Our pace was leisurely as every few minutes Jean and Mano would pass a friend and of course each wanted to catch up with the other’s news. We bought cheeses and fruit, and I bought a dress for 10 euros – a delightful change after four weeks of my two tee shirts and shorts.
We walked to another beautiful beach and ate lunch overlooking the ocean – with more experiences to share.
On the way to the cafe, one last photo!
And then it was time to leave for Santiago to fly to London and be reunited with Kenneth.
Fatijah's Camino Portugués 2016 