Pianos in the Square
I slept in the same bed two nights in a row for the first time in 6 weeks. That was a bit strange, honestly. I took the early bus back to Santiago, which was also strange. I haven’t been in a vehicle in so long? I enjoyed yet another sunrise on the way. I was able to grab a pee break while the driver took his smoke break. Maybe the only time I’ve been grateful for the rampant smoking in Spain.
I had a couple hours until I could check into my place in Santiago, so I stood in line for my certificate. It says I walked 799km, though they told me that if I had walked back from Muxia, they could have included that distance as well. So you have to mentally add the 120+ additional kilometers yourself.
I got into my place and got settled. The forecast had been for pouring rain, but skies were clear so I decided to go for a walk. I walked to the cathedral and explored the inside. When I left the cathedral, there was a giant Grand piano with people playing it. When I walked back around to the main square, there was another giant Grand piano in front of the cathedral. There were apparently several of these around the city, monitored by volunteers who encouraged people to play, and if no one was playing, the volunteers would bust out a tune. This would draw a crowd, then they’d ask the crowd (in several languages) if anyone wanted to play.
The cycle went on.
People of all ages from all over the world were taking turns. Some people sang. Sometimes someone in the crowd would start singing the words to the song someone else was playing. The full bodied piano sound echoing in the stone arches was wonderful. I watched for almost two hours, enjoying each new person’s song. I just really enjoyed it.
Tomorrow I have to find an airplane.
