George Vancouver
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2019
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Thanks for describing the process. One little quibble - the Compostela is free. It's 3€ for the distance certificate.. Hand over your credencial and €3. You're done
Exactly what does this mean? I have fumbled around and done this successfully a few times. But some people will give up right here!1... Scan it with your phone.
Or the tube to keep it from getting crushed?Thanks for describing the process. One little quibble - the Compostela is free. It's 3€ for the distance certificate.
I have a Windows Phone.1. There is a placard with a QR code outside the front door of the office. Scan it with your phone.
my actual footprint is UK size 14½ French army boots ; US 15½ - 16.
I want to keep my digital footprint as small as possible, even though my actual footprint is UK size 14½ French army boots ; US 15½ - 16.
But, other than the very short queue to get your ticket with QR code there is no physical queue. Maybe there is a metaphysical one?No -- I think I'll stick with my Credencial cheers, and my physical place in the actual queue thanks.
I would take a very dim view indeed of any "pilgrim" jumping the queue in front of me on the basis of his silly QR.
You are the first one to explain it so simply and clearly. Thank you.There are other threads on the new Compostela system. I didn't find one that explained it simply and clearly.
I suppose you might consider my post #3 above to fall under that category. But those instructions might just illustrate how important it is to understand where the confusion starts. If we miss that point, none of the remaining instructions are useful and everybody gets frustrated.Now watch as folk over-complicate it, over-think it and add confusion to it all again....
Egualmente, also as a formet IT professional.I have a Windows Phone.
No go.
And given the sad death of the Emperion Nebulus project, if this one dies on me, I'm seriously considering replacing it with a Linux phone.
Also no go.
No -- I think I'll stick with my Credencial cheers, and my physical place in the actual queue thanks.
I would take a very dim view indeed of any "pilgrim" jumping the queue in front of me on the basis of his silly QR.
And I'm no Luddite -- I've been an IT professional ; but precisely because of this, I want to keep my digital footprint as small as possible, even though my actual footprint is UK size 14½ French army boots ; US 15½ - 16.
My family and I went to a baseball game in San Francisco last week. No whare in the stadium, and this includes getting in, did they accept anything other than QR codes on your phone. "The times are a changing".I rarely propose that a thread ought to be closed but this one may be a good candidate.
Then there ought to be another thread explaining in an equally simple and clear way what pilgrims do who do not carry a smartphone; whose smartphones cannot scan; or who simply do not want to scan (current 2021 procedure, not procedure with waiting lines in the past).
Plus another thread on how to scan a QR code with a range of current smartphones.
Yes, I agree. Or perhaps just keep the original, relevant post in this thread and not open it to further replies.I rarely propose that a thread ought to be closed but this one may be a good candidate.
Then there ought to be another thread explaining in an equally simple and clear way what pilgrims do who do not carry a smartphone; whose smartphones cannot scan; or who simply do not want to scan (current 2021 procedure, not procedure with waiting lines in the past).
Plus another thread on how to scan a QR code with a range of current smartphones.
Microsoft/Windows make phones now?I have a Windows Phone.
No go.
And given the sad death of the Emperion Nebulus project, if this one dies on me, I'm seriously considering replacing it with a Linux phone.
Also no go.
No -- I think I'll stick with my Credencial cheers, and my physical place in the actual queue thanks.
I would take a very dim view indeed of any "pilgrim" jumping the queue in front of me on the basis of his silly QR.
And I'm no Luddite -- I've been an IT professional ; but precisely because of this, I want to keep my digital footprint as small as possible, even though my actual footprint is UK size 14½ French army boots ; US 15½ - 16.
We imagine this but does it actually happen.standing in front of the pilgrim office with no idea what to do now? I can easily see people like that give up and walk away, which would be a shame...
I emailed them in early August of this year, explaining - in what I believe are simple, clear and short sentences and in Spanish - a number of errors, including the one you mentioned.Once you've filled in all the boxes press the "Create New Group" button. (Strange label.)
I do also agree.That's a good explanation.
It is probably very easy for everyone who uses a smartphone daily. But not everyone does. Believe it or not!
It is still very confusing for those who never used or don't own such a device, those who do own a smartphone but without mobile data, or a smartphone but an old cheap one without scanner app and no idea how to install/use one, and so on.
There are still many people who struggle to use that kind of technology, can't afford it, maybe just don't want to use it or don't want to bring it to the Camino to get away from it for a while. The new system does make things more complicated for those.
I agree with Kathar1na that it would be good to have a similar thread for those without smartphones. Sadly, most of those who'd really need that help will not be in this forum... And also, not discussing the problem will not make it go away.
I am just imagining an elderly pilgrim from a poor country who never used a smartphone in their life, who only owns a cheap old thing with no internet function and only little prepaid credit, maybe someone without any Spanish or English skills, standing in front of the pilgrim office with no idea what to do now? I can easily see people like that give up and walk away, which would be a shame...
That is a terrific explanation. Thank youThere are other threads on the new Compostela system. I didn't find one that explained it simply and clearly. (If there is one I apologize. Feel free to delete this thread Ivar.) I will try explain so even dummies like me can understand.
1. There is a placard with a QR code outside the front door of the office. Scan it with your phone. You'll be taken to the registration page.
2. Enter your personal details. There are dropdown boxes to choose which camino you completed and where you started. Once you've filled in all the boxes press the "Create New Group" button. (Strange label.) A QR code will appear telling you that you are registered and you will get a confirmation email.
3. The security guard will now let you into the office. Go straight across the lobby, out the back and down a set of stairs. On your left is a large room where you line up to collect your number. The wait is short, maybe a minute.
4. Your number tells you your place in the queue. It also has yet another QR code. There are displays in the lobby showing what number is being served.
5. Wait. If you are lucky and there are few pilgrims, you can wait in the garden until your number comes close. For us the wait was 4-1/2 hours. Don't despair. If it looks like a long wait you can leave. Go check into our hotel, shower, get lunch, whatever you want. Scan the QR code on your ticket periodically. You'll see what number is being served so you can gauge your timing. Yesterday they processed about 200 per hour.
6. As your number gets close get back to the office and wait just outside the lobby. You want to be there early because if you miss your turn too bad for you. As you get within about 10 of your number you'll be called inside to wait in the socially distanced queue. Watch the screen for your number and wicket number.
7. Hand over your credencial and €3. You're done.
I would just respectfully point out that it is a piece of paper. I got mine in 2014. Will be doing the Camino again soon and will not bother with this. My piece of paper sits ignored somewhere in my house. The experience is part of me and forever in my memory. The piece of paper adds nothing really. Just my take on this.There are other threads on the new Compostela system. I didn't find one that explained it simply and clearly. (If there is one I apologize. Feel free to delete this thread Ivar.) I will try explain so even dummies like me can understand.
1. There is a placard with a QR code outside the front door of the office. Scan it with your phone. You'll be taken to the registration page.
2. Enter your personal details. There are dropdown boxes to choose which camino you completed and where you started. Once you've filled in all the boxes press the "Create New Group" button. (Strange label.) A QR code will appear telling you that you are registered and you will get a confirmation email.
3. The security guard will now let you into the office. Go straight across the lobby, out the back and down a set of stairs. On your left is a large room where you line up to collect your number. The wait is short, maybe a minute.
4. Your number tells you your place in the queue. It also has yet another QR code. There are displays in the lobby showing what number is being served.
5. Wait. If you are lucky and there are few pilgrims, you can wait in the garden until your number comes close. For us the wait was 4-1/2 hours. Don't despair. If it looks like a long wait you can leave. Go check into our hotel, shower, get lunch, whatever you want. Scan the QR code on your ticket periodically. You'll see what number is being served so you can gauge your timing. Yesterday they processed about 200 per hour.
6. As your number gets close get back to the office and wait just outside the lobby. You want to be there early because if you miss your turn too bad for you. As you get within about 10 of your number you'll be called inside to wait in the socially distanced queue. Watch the screen for your number and wicket number.
7. Hand over your credencial and €3. You're done.
They must immediately get a lesson from a child or grandchild on how to do this. Any kid over 5 will probably do hahaThanks for the clear instructions. Except for one little detail...
Exactly what does this mean? I have fumbled around and done this successfully a few times. But some people will give up right here!
All points that are legitimate but hopefully they will ask and hopefully some of that camino magic will appear and save the day.That's a good explanation.
It is probably very easy for everyone who uses a smartphone daily. But not everyone does. Believe it or not!
It is still very confusing for those who never used or don't own such a device, those who do own a smartphone but without mobile data, or a smartphone but an old cheap one without scanner app and no idea how to install/use one, and so on.
There are still many people who struggle to use that kind of technology, can't afford it, maybe just don't want to use it or don't want to bring it to the Camino to get away from it for a while. The new system does make things more complicated for those.
I agree with Kathar1na that it would be good to have a similar thread for those without smartphones. Sadly, most of those who'd really need that help will not be in this forum... And also, not discussing the problem will not make it go away.
I am just imagining an elderly pilgrim from a poor country who never used a smartphone in their life, who only owns a cheap old thing with no internet function and only little prepaid credit, maybe someone without any Spanish or English skills, standing in front of the pilgrim office with no idea what to do now? I can easily see people like that give up and walk away, which would be a shame...
George Vancouver has it almost totally correct. Rather than write another post, making few comments on his very good post should suffice. These first comments are keyed to his numbered points aboThere are other threads on the new Compostela system. I didn't find one that explained it simply and clearly. (If there is one I apologize. Feel free to delete this thread Ivar.) I will try explain so even dummies like me can understand.
1. There is a placard with a QR code outside the front door of the office. Scan it with your phone. You'll be taken to the registration page.
2. Enter your personal details. There are dropdown boxes to choose which camino you completed and where you started. Once you've filled in all the boxes press the "Create New Group" button. (Strange label.) A QR code will appear telling you that you are registered and you will get a confirmation email.
3. The security guard will now let you into the office. Go straight across the lobby, out the back and down a set of stairs. On your left is a large room where you line up to collect your number. The wait is short, maybe a minute.
4. Your number tells you your place in the queue. It also has yet another QR code. There are displays in the lobby showing what number is being served.
5. Wait. If you are lucky and there are few pilgrims, you can wait in the garden until your number comes close. For us the wait was 4-1/2 hours. Don't despair. If it looks like a long wait you can leave. Go check into our hotel, shower, get lunch, whatever you want. Scan the QR code on your ticket periodically. You'll see what number is being served so you can gauge your timing. Yesterday they processed about 200 per hour.
6. As your number gets close get back to the office and wait just outside the lobby. You want to be there early because if you miss your turn too bad for you. As you get within about 10 of your number you'll be called inside to wait in the socially distanced queue. Watch the screen for your number and wicket number.
7. Hand over your credencial and €3. You're done.
That 'piece of paper' is quite meaningful to some of us. From a previous post:I would just respectfully point out that it is a piece of paper. I got mine in 2014. Will be doing the Camino again soon and will not bother with this. My piece of paper sits ignored somewhere in my house. The experience is part of me and forever in my memory. The piece of paper adds nothing really. Just my take on this.
You are quite rightCan we limit the responses here to the process of receiving a Compostela, and leave out personal feelings as to whether it's something worthwhile to have? I'm sure that there are plenty of other threads for that discussion.
Agree completely. Please keep this thread about the process. In fact, however, I don't really see much value in our further debating the precise wording of appropriate instructions, when we have no control and very limited influence. The procedures may well change at any time and we won't necessarily be informed, so any resource we produce will not stay up-to-date.Can we limit the responses here to the process of receiving a Compostela, and leave out personal feelings as to whether it's something worthwhile to have?
I am going to try to attrach a copy of the “new” single-use ‘Estadillo’ form. I am working at the Pilgrim Office and restricted to my iPhone until late next week.@t2andreo, what about pilgrims who cannot or do not want to use their smartphones? Could you perhaps describe the process in a similarly simple and clear way, perhaps in a separate thread? My understanding is that they have to fill in exactly the same online form as the QR scanners but on the screen of a kiosk inside the building instead of on the screen of a phone?
What about the kiosks? Because someone recently posted this: "I got to the Pilgrims office late and filled out the digital form there. I honestly don't remember now if I did it at the kiosk in front of the office or on my phone".Back on topic. You show up having a credential, but nothing else. The security guard will give you one of the single-use Estadillo forms to use with YOUR pen.
There IS an office currently used to process groups. It is not generally used for individuals. However, it IS connected directly to the personal data input site.What about the kiosks? Because someone recently posted this: "I got to the Pilgrims office late and filled out the digital form there. I honestly don't remember now if I did it at the kiosk in front of the office or on my phone".
Thank you for this clarification, @t2andreo. I've corrected two of my earlier comments in order to avoid confusion. So if you are a family or a small group of friends there is not much point in requesting a group ID first. Everyone just has to fill in the online form but it can be done on the same phone of course.You are expected to do this in advance, using your own device.
I do not know if they are aware of the poor translation. From what I can gather, so far, there are no immediate plans to make significant changes.Thank you for this clarification, @t2andreo. I've corrected two of my earlier comments in order to avoid confusion. So if you are a family or a small group of friends there is not much point in requesting a group ID first. Everyone just has to fill in the online form but it can be done on the same phone of course.
Surely, they must be aware of the very bad translation online. Having to press "Create a group" instead of "Submit form" or "Send" when you have completed the online form as an individual must have elicited comments from foreign pilgrims. It is as bad in English as it is in German, French and Italian. Are they planning to do something about this?
I am a Luddite and do not have a phone. Not sure what happens if one cannot access this QR at the Pilgrim Office, but I didn't have a phone in October 2019 when I was last in Santiago getting a compostela, so there must be an alternative.I have a Windows Phone.
No go.
And given the sad death of the Emperion Nebulus project, if this one dies on me, I'm seriously considering replacing it with a Linux phone.
Also no go.
No -- I think I'll stick with my Credencial cheers, and my physical place in the actual queue thanks.
I would take a very dim view indeed of any "pilgrim" jumping the queue in front of me on the basis of his silly QR.
And I'm no Luddite -- I've been an IT professional ; but precisely because of this, I want to keep my digital footprint as small as possible, even though my actual footprint is UK size 14½ French army boots ; US 15½ - 16.
@t2andreo who currently volunteers at the Pilgrims Office described it in post #32 of this thread. Just scroll back by six posts:there must be an alternative.
Thankfully, but this is my only my guess, there are plenty of people who have and use their smartphones and do not wait their turn at the Office but leave and monitor their place in the queue from a distance.@t2andreo who currently volunteers at the Pilgrims Office described it in post #32 of this thread:
- the guard gives you a paper form;
- you fill it out with your own pen;
- you get a paper ticket with a number on it;
- you wait until your number is called.
This is exactly the case. It is a simple process. You don't need a smartphone, basic phone or ANY kind of a technology to collect a compostela. You can just arrive at the pilgrims office and follow the instructions given to you at the door. But if you do have one, it will speed up the process for everyone. IT IS THAT SIMPLE (not shouting, just trying to make it clear and unambigious for all).@t2andreo who currently volunteers at the Pilgrims Office described it in post #32 of this thread. Just scroll back by six posts:
- the guard gives you a paper form;
- you fill it out with your own pen;
- you get a paper ticket with a number on it;
- you wait until your number is called.
This is indeed the case too, and it has been the case since they introduced the ticket system in 2019.Thankfully, but this is my only my guess, there are plenty of people who have and use their smartphones and do not wait their turn at the Office but leave and monitor their place in the queue from a distance.
This has the beneficial result that the number of physically present pilgrims in the Pilgrims Office at any given time is significantly reduced.
And you call yourself “A True Pilgrim” when you get annoid when other Pilgrims just follow the system. They don’t jump “in front of you”, they just follow the instructionsI have a Windows Phone.
No go.
And given the sad death of the Emperion Nebulus project, if this one dies on me, I'm seriously considering replacing it with a Linux phone.
Also no go.
No -- I think I'll stick with my Credencial cheers, and my physical place in the actual queue thanks.
I would take a very dim view indeed of any "pilgrim" jumping the queue in front of me on the basis of his silly QR.
And I'm no Luddite -- I've been an IT professional ; but precisely because of this, I want to keep my digital footprint as small as possible, even though my actual footprint is UK size 14½ French army boots ; US 15½ - 16.
@jsalt, I think you must be in a similar "league" as me.Oh dear, this Dummy needs a few more steps . . .
Step 1: “There is a placard with a QR code outside the front door of the office.
Scan it with your phone” . . .
Hmmm, how do I do that? Ask Mr Google . . . .
He says: Long press the Home Button on your android phone . . .
Hmmm, where is my Home Button? Ask Mr Google . . .
OK, found it . . . .
. . . . now click the Lens icon that appears . . .
Hmmm, no Lens icon appears . . . Ask Mr Google . . .
That confused him!
Ah, stuff it . . . . this is taking forever to work out . . . .
I think all you need to do, is open the camera on your phone and aim it at the QR code. If your phone is somewhat modern, it will scan the code all by itself and a window will open on your phone screen, telling you to "click here" for the next step. (I have done it once or twice, and think that's what I did.)Oh dear, this Dummy needs a few more steps . . . . .
This is great but I’m still in difficulties. I registered and have both the text and email saying I did it correctly but no email with a QR code. Where have I gone wrong?George Vancouver has it almost totally correct. Rather than write another post, making few comments on his very good post should suffice. These first comments are keyed to his numbered points abo
1. You do NOT need to wait until you arrive to submit your information. I recommend you do it while you are on Camino, have Wi-Fi access and the time. Just go to the Pilgrim Office web page as me select “Register / Individual” from the top menu.
Groups are handled differently. You cannot set a group up like you can an individual recordunless you FIRST write an email to:
grupos@catedraldesantiago.es
In the email, the group leader (only) must explain the particulars concerning the group: how many pilgrims, walking what route and from where to Santiago, and the estimated date of arrival.
After review, the group coordinator in the office will provide the leader with a unique User ID and password to access the server directly. This enables the group leader to enter all the required information in advance, at their leisure.
Similar to the individual process, the group leader will receive an SMS message to acknowledge receipt of the information. This will be followed shortly by the email contains the FIRST QR code.
This QR code allows ONLY the leader to be admitted to the office to recover the pre-prepared certificates. Everything the leader needs to know will be explained in the email exchange.
2. Once you submit your information, the system will return we it’s an SMS text message telling you that your information was received. It is VITAL that you save this text message. A few moments later, you will receive an e-Mail telling you that your information was successfully processed. This email contains a link to the all important FIRST QR code. SAVE THIS MESSAGE AT ALL COSTS. The alphanumeric code at the beginning of both the SMS message and email are how your data is indexed before you arrive.
Steps 3-7 are correct as George recounts them.
My overall caveats are to:
1. Submit data in advance.
2. Get to the Pilgrim Office early. Some days they hit the maximum processing capacity of 1,200 to 1,300 by 13:00. When this happens, they stop issuing numbers, and tell you to come back tomorrow. Having a transportation commitment is NOT their problem.
3. I recommend a MINIMUM 36-hour stay in Santiago. This presumes you arrived early (0900 - 1000) in the morning, secured a queue order number ticket and THEN planned your day. This has you spending one night at Santiago and leaving LATE the second day. This gives done protection against being told to “come back tomorrow
4. Note, there are now FOUR Pilgrim Masses daily at the cathedral to offset the required capacity reduction due to the pandemic. These masses are at 0730, 1230, 1630 and 1930 EVERY DAY.
you can confirm these Mass Times on the Cathedral web site.
Oddly enough, this largely cobbled together after-the-fact process works. My direct observations suggest that the slowest point in the entire process is the contact time it takes to write out the personal information on the Compostela and Distance Certificate.
The overall median contact time in my samples were about 3:00 minutes from the time the staff person presses the icon to “bong” the next person to their desk. It takes about 30 seconds for the pilgrim to meander to the correct workstation.
Once they are in front of the staff person the processing time ranges from a low of one-minute to a high of four minutes. The distribution appears to be pretty much a bell curve.
In my assessment, the mean and average are both hovering around three-minutes, including movement time.
NOW, if we can only get them to take the advance data and pre-print the certificates, using calliagraphic fonts on a laser printer (2 actually), I confidently believe we can get the total “face time” down to a median of ONE MINUTE.
But, change never comes fast or easy in Santiago.
Hope this helps.
Tom
I hope that @t2andreo will see this and answer it and, if necessary, amend his earlier post. As far as I can tell and can see, you did nothing wrong. The system sends you only an alphanumeric code, there is no QR code involved in this step.This is great but I’m still in difficulties. I registered and have both the text and email saying I did it correctly but no email with a QR code. Where have I gone wrong?
Thanks very much for that reassuranceI hope that @t2andreo will see this and answer it and, if necessary, amend his earlier post. As far as I can tell and can see, you did nothing wrong. The system sends you only an alphanumeric code, there is no QR code involved in this step.
What I've seen so far is that people, after having completed the online form, only get an email with this kind of text:The email you received SHOULD have contained a link to, or an attached, QR code. Do check again. You should be able to bring up a QR code with a message at the top of the QR panel that reads: "A76FHY3Z has successfully submitted their information." I am paraphrasing and the code number is an example. But this should give you an idea of what you are looking for. When you eventually get to the counter, this alphanumeric code number is how staff will pull your data up in the computer.
The email you received SHOULD have contained a link to, or an attached, QR code. Do check again.
You should be able to bring up a QR code with a message at the top of the QR panel that reads: "A76FHY3Z has successfully submitted their information." I am paraphrasing and the code number is an example. But this should give you an idea of what you are looking for.
When you eventually get to the counter, this alphanumeric code number is how staff will pull your data up in the computer.
Hope this helps.
Tom
Yes, that’s what I’ve got.What I've seen so far is that people, after having completed the online form, only get an email with this kind of text:
21072AWU has been registered correctly.There is nothing attached to this email, no link, no QR code. The email is sent by grupos@catedraldesantiago.es and it contains no other information or explanation.
Hi again, @Sarah Jane! Did you get your Compostela yesterday or today? How did it go? Did they want to see anything else other than the alphanumeric code that was sent by email and as text message after you had completed the online form?Yes, that’s what I’ve got.
Tincatinker,Will there be an amendment to the wording of the Compostela? Perhaps after the bit about “piety” and/or a “sense of search” they could add a bit about “exhibited a high level of competence in modern communication technology” and “avoided disgruntling the security guard”?
I only recently switched from an Android to an IPhone and had no idea how to scan a QR code. (I still don't know what they are.) Many restaurants I have been to in the last few months now use a QR code to read their menus rather than a physical menu. A very kind, young waitress was happy to show me how to use my camera to scan the code. Even though I know how now, if I see that they have physical menus I still ask for one. It is very difficult for two people to look at a menu at the same time, and my husband refuses to carry a phone. As long as I can scan at the Pilgrims' Office for two people I should be able to do it.I suppose you might consider my post #3 above to fall under that category. But those instructions might just illustrate how important it is to understand where the confusion starts. If we miss that point, none of the remaining instructions are useful and everybody gets frustrated.
Many people have never scanned a QR code, so telling them how to do it is not over-complicating things. I have done it so rarely that I can't remember if I need my camera on, or what. But I have the confidence to figure it out again. The complete instructions for dummies needs to include that bit.
I dislike this as an "only option", and have started seeing it in the area where I live. I prefer eating outdoors and it is no fun trying to get a good look at the menu on my phone in sunshine, not to mention a menu with many options and a small text size. I still prefer "the real thing".Many restaurants I have been to in the last few months now use a QR code to read their menus rather than a physical menu.
I used to be mystified by QR codes.a QR code. (I still don't know what they are.)
I think some of the replies have value (e.g. Compostelas are free). If people find that only the first post has value, nothing is preventing them from stopping reading replies wherever they wish.Yes, I agree. Or perhaps just keep the original, relevant post in this thread and not open it to further replies.
And the same with a subsequent thread about alternatives. It's all the replies that clog such important threads with confusion.
Err… Somehow my phone didn’t register on the day! So you just fill-in a (manualThanks for the clear instructions. Except for one little detail...
Exactly what does this mean? I have fumbled around and done this successfully a few times. But some people will give up right here!
I'm not sure I understand. Did you just request two places in the queue that you've no intention of using?Yes. I just did it out of curiosity.
The details you register either using the link on the pilgrim office website, either by scanning the code outside the office, generate a number which allows you in and allows you to get a ‘number in the queue’ ticket with QR code.
The phone you use, phone number and email address are irrelevant. That’s just the destination to which the code will be sent.
The pilgrim office gave just issued me with two numbers by email and SMS on the basis of me submitting data as two completely different people with different names, genders, nationalities and so on.
In summary; ‘yes’
Yes and no.I'm not sure I understand. Did you just request two places in the queue that you've no intention of using?
My family and I went to a baseball game in San Francisco last week. No whare in the stadium, and this includes getting in, did they accept anything other than QR codes on your phone. "The times are a changing".
Thank you George for the easy to understand directions. Yours was a beacon of light in the many comments out there!There are other threads on the new Compostela system. I didn't find one that explained it simply and clearly. (If there is one I apologize. Feel free to delete this thread Ivar.) I will try explain so even dummies like me can understand.
1. There is a placard with a QR code outside the front door of the office. Scan it with your phone. You'll be taken to the registration page.
2. Enter your personal details. There are dropdown boxes to choose which camino you completed and where you started. Once you've filled in all the boxes press the "Create New Group" button. (Strange label.) A QR code will appear telling you that you are registered and you will get a confirmation email.
3. The security guard will now let you into the office. Go straight across the lobby, out the back and down a set of stairs. On your left is a large room where you line up to collect your number. The wait is short, maybe a minute.
4. Your number tells you your place in the queue. It also has yet another QR code. There are displays in the lobby showing what number is being served.
5. Wait. If you are lucky and there are few pilgrims, you can wait in the garden until your number comes close. For us the wait was 4-1/2 hours. Don't despair. If it looks like a long wait you can leave. Go check into our hotel, shower, get lunch, whatever you want. Scan the QR code on your ticket periodically. You'll see what number is being served so you can gauge your timing. Yesterday they processed about 200 per hour.
6. As your number gets close get back to the office and wait just outside the lobby. You want to be there early because if you miss your turn too bad for you. As you get within about 10 of your number you'll be called inside to wait in the socially distanced queue. Watch the screen for your number and wicket number.
7. Hand over your credencial and €3. You're done.
Thanks, yes, that's what I had understood. This is for a book however I fully expect it to have change by next summer.@geraldkelly, are you trying to generally understand the Compostela system in order to describe it for others or are you just interested for personal reasons?
Be aware that there is a small mistake in some descriptions. When you have filled in the online form you receive a text message and/or an email that contains a code. This code is alphanumeric (letters and numbers). Not a QR code, as wrongly described in several posts.
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