Day 36 - Negreira to Finisterre (70km - sort of...)

We enjoyed another good meal last night in the hotel (more octopus for me...). There was a pilgrim's menu but we avoided it. This morning after a relaxed breakfast we checked out the buses to Finisterre and it turns out that despite being on the main route to the 'end of the earth' buses only run to Muxía further up the coast, a place I would like to visit if I had more time but not now. We could get a bus to Finisterre from there although the next bus to Muxía was not until 5pm. The quickest way to Finisterre from Negreira we were told was to catch the next bus back to Santiago and then a bus from Santiago to Finisterre. What a contribution a day's walk has made...

We opted for a taxi; quicker although more expensive but between us still cheaper than a trip to Santiago and back by bus. We had an hour to wait and spent the time relaxing in the hotel. It was probably the first time that I have had nothing to do or think about for a month: no destination I had to get myself to, no accommodation to find or dinner to think about, no washing to do or places to see. I felt strangely privileged and relaxed having nothing particular to concern me. I was keenly aware of the fact I had time to myself and I had a real sense of appreciation for it. I can not recall the last time I felt like that.

We arrived at Finisterre early afternoon although I slept most of the journey in the taxi; I think I am now allowing the last month to catch up with me. Finisterre is like a not too tatty British seaside town; lots of accommodation and a smattering of restaurants of all standards intermingled with souvenir shops. We had lunch in a nearby vegetarian cafe and found a cheap hotel where we sat having a couple of beers with no other plans to speak of. On this occasion though the free time did not feel quite as special, it began to feel as if I simply had time on my hands; I think I am on my transition back to the real world.

I had a siesta while the others headed out to explore and in the evening we enjoyed a superb meal in a seafood restaurant although I felt a little bad when they fished a crab out of the central tank knowing he was going to end up on my plate....  Tomorrow it is back to Santiago.