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There are some minor (and good) changes in the new Pilgrim Credential.
1. The credential now includes a QR code to scan, which will take you to the Registration webpage. Very handy, as you are now a click/scan away.
2. It's eliminated 'Passport Number' and 'Address' (thank God), I have had...
we eat a lot of pork in Spain. a lot.
if it's cured (ham, chorizo, etc.), no problemos, it's meant to be eaten 'raw'.
if it's not cured (chops, sirloin, ribs, chorizo, etc.), then it's cooked, usually well, but not always, such as with the sirloin. this will depend on your comfort level with...
like any big city, madrid will not have cheap accommodations. expect to pay at least +30 euros for an overnight, shared dorm. San Sebastian may be worse.
credit cards... yes and no. some bars and supermarkets may refuse it for small amounts (eg. under 10 euros). always good to have at least 100 euos cash imo. there are atms in all the larger villages/towns.
the municipal albergue in oviedo is fine, maybe your best option.
The church does not, the Pimgrim's Office does, when you request it. To request you must register first https://oficinadelperegrino.com/en/sigle-register/ online
it's easy, but there is a procedure
there is only one way, follow the arrows past the church out of town and up the hill. it's steep, but doable. hard part is pushing on once you get there!
make sure you stamp at your next albergue/hostel, compulsory are the last 100 km, so for sure you'll have better luck tomorrow and rthe next days. no stamps, no Compostela. albergues should be ok with a stamp from the previous nught as long as it is a walkable distance.
in may you will (most likely) always see a pilgrim around, either ahead of you or behind you. albergues may even be full. that said, you will also feel a significant difference in the number of pilgrims. reassurance is hard to provide as everyone, and perhaps more so, women, have different...
my understanding is that the general public is allowed to attend the High Mass on the 25th. However, as there will be a gazillion dignitaries, usually the King and his entourage, definitely the President of Galicia and the Mayor, and their entourages, and etc etc. you may have to stand in line...
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