IX International Conference of Societies of Saint James

Too bad they only tell "the rest of us" about it two days before it starts...

I'm with Reb! As it is I shall be in Santiago, but that is not the point. So often these things become exclusive and then the organisers are left wondering: "Where is everybody?". Or the opposite occurs and the event is relatively well promoted and then the "purists" (and some of my best friends belong here in this category...) are heard to protest: "They are not REAL pilgrims! They are only doing this for the money!" To which, I humbly proclaim *^?)""&! (which is not the name of the member formerly known as Tam). I presented at a certain Encuentro back in July which was apparently "boycotted" according to the organisers. As a result it was sparsely but loyally attended. From the very outset it was clear that a lot of heart and effort had gone into the organisation of this and if the organisers came away with just one duro I would have been amazed.
We need these opportunities to "regroup" but perhaps potential organisers are put off by the negative press some have had and perhaps those who do organise intentionally keep their "conferences" small and private. Either way: a lot of pilgrims are missing out.
Incidentally, the above mentioned Encuentro in Villafranca in July was beautifully and timeconsumingly organised and a great time was had by all. Just seeing Jesus Jato and Tomas of
Manjarin up there on the stage together reminiscing about old times was well worth the (paltry) "price of admission".
TS
http://www.pilgrimagetoheresy.com
http://www.pilgrimagetoheresy.blospot.com

I hope they have a productive session. I am sure that the participants are the successors to hundreds of years of supporting and promoting the Camino, so are the primary organizations that effect the pilgrimage of thousands. Popularity has the infrastructure popping at the seams at the same time that Spain grapples with economic problems and changes in roads, population centers, and city infrastructure. As a guest in their country, I personally appreciate their efforts in the past, and hope for their success in the future.