Dear Mum, family and friends,

Partygoers brought us back to earth at three this morning ending their revelry outside our window. We've become unaccustomed to city noise. But we had the luxury of sleeping in.

Today we've wandered the old city going first to the Pilgrim's office to get our Compostela certificates. The queues later in the day showed our early start meant we'd escaped a long wait.

We made our pilgrim visit to the Cathedral coming first to the carved pole of St James inside the main entrance. Once pilgrims touched it - but as it's been worn down so much - it's now protected.

We climbed up to the statue of St James above the high altar and gave him a hug from behind for you all. As he's wearing a metal and jewelled cape he probably won't wear away as much as stone. Then we went under the altar to see the silver casket, reputably holding the remains of St James.

The Cathedral is under restoration inside and out. It's a simple church compared to Burgos or Leon and the scaffolding made it appear smaller. It is a focal place for thousands. People walked around quietly and respectfully leaving packs and sticks outside.

We returned at noon for Mass celebrated by the Bishop and a number of priests. A sister led the singing and others did the collection. Hundreds of pilgrims filled the seats and stood in the aisles. CCTV around the church enabled us to see the main altar. There were a number of school parties and I was impressed when security people sought them out and let them sit on the floor in front.

At communion time I escaped security and squeezed into the section of pews facing the altar. This was a fortuitous move because at the end of Mass they lit the big thurible and swung it over everyone's head across the transepts. Eight or nine men pulled it with ropes. It was an amazing sight. I videoed it so see below.

We're amazed still that we have arrived!

This comes with love and gratitude to you all. You are with me as I explore this place alive with tradition and faith.