We have arrived!
After taking in the plaza we made our way to La Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino ( the Office of Welcome to the Pilgrim), having been directed there by our Dutch friends with whom we met almost immediately upon arrival, and there we picked up our official certificate indicating that we had completed the Camino. We then sought out our lodgings, then went to the mass for pilgrims. We were lucky, as the huge thurible was used to incense the congregation at the end of the mass. Quite a spectacle to behold. From memory it took 8 men to hoist and swing it to and fro, and it swung almost to the ceiling of the cathedral each time. Even non believers would be moved by the experience - the incense is a centuries old tradition, blessing and purifying the pilgrims as they arrived at their destination.