As we got to the end of our journey, we arrived in the town of Santiago de Compostela. Unfortunately, the day before we arrived, there was a terrible train accident which killed about 100 people. What was suppose to be a town of happiness and joy, became a scene of mourning, sadness, and spirituality. The focus shifted from the hundreds of pilgrims arriving at their destination, to the thousands of people who lost a loved one in a terrible accident just miles away from this beautiful place. Below, you can see a photo of some of the many news crews interviewing pilgrims, and learning how connected the pilgrims are, even if they had never met each other before. People of all races, genders, and religions, forgot about what set them apart, and came together in Santiago to remember what brings us together. It was a special day to be apart of.

 While we were in Santiago, we received our "compostelas" which are certificates that show you have hiked the Camino. It was a great moment for us, in which we obtained something that took 500 miles to earn. Although these papers seem to be what the journey was all about, for us, it was the journey itself that made the trip so enjoyable for us.

The text is in Latin, but here is a translation for your benefit:

"The Chapter of this Holy Apostolic Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago, custodian of the Seal of Saint James' Altar, to all faithful and pilgrims who come from everywhere over the world as an act of devotion, under vow or promise to the Apostle's Tomb, our Patron and Protector of Spain, witnesses in the sight of all who read this document, that: Steven/Joshua 
has visited devoutly this Sacred Church in a religious sense (pietatis causa).
Witness where of I hand this document over to him/her, authenticated by the seal of this Sacred Church. 
Given in Santiago de Compostela on the 26th day of June, 2013

(Signed) Chapter Secretary"