We have enjoyed a couple of days exploring Santiago and its environs. On Tuesday we went to the Pilgrims' Mass at the Cathedral along with hundreds of others. We were warned that you have to be early to get a seat. At the end of Mass the largest thurible in the Catholic Church was swung. It is operated by eight tiraboleiros who pull on the ropes to get it swinging from side to side. Many people visit the cathedral but never get to see the botafumeirio used.
After Mass we visited Alameda Park where Jay met a few new characters. One of the biggest statues is of Rosalia de Castro. That night we had dinner in a very formal restaurant.
Yesterday we took a bus trip to Costa de La Muerte, so named for all the shipwrecks along the coast. Then it was to Finisterre, the End of the World. Many people walk out to Finisterre after they have completed their Camino. Bus is much easier. We also visited Muxia. The legend around Muxia is that St James feeling dispirited with his progress visited Muxia where Our Lady appeared to him in a stone boat. There are three stones on the rocks believed to be part of the boat. There is also a church. It was off this coast that in 2002 the Prestige spilled 70,000 gallons of oil. On a hill over looking the sea is a memorial to all those who helped clean up the beach. The sculpture by Alberto Banueles is 11 meters high and weighs 400 tons.
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