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This is a question that surely should be put to the Pilgrim Office in Santiago.So, why oh why isn't there a different queuing system for pilgrims who clearly have put a much greater investment of time, money and effort than those who have gone on a gentle stroll for a few days, with the family?
Very much so!I imagine the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16) is apposite here?
Perhaps a "priority boarding" system could be introduced? One of the Volunteers could come out and assess pilgrims based on the damage done to their bodies: pilgrims with blisters, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, missing toenails and the like get moved to the front of the queue, those with unsullied clothing or immaculate footwear could be made to wait longer?I did my first camino in July-August 2021. I had a really great experience right up until Santiago but Santiago left me massively underwhelmed and disappointed. My main reason for this was that I felt that having walked from St Jean that those who had walked similar distances, with our backpacks all the way, were forced to wait long periods to get the compostella solely due to the large numbers who walked the last 3 days with their bags carried in taxis! In my case, it was 2 1/2 hours! It left a really bad taste in my mouth. Why isn't there a separate office for those who walk for the last few days? I'm all for equality, but this isn't about equality but a lack of respect for those who have come a greater way. In my case, I waited as I say 2 and half hours on feet that were aching from blisters. Some pilgrims walked as far as from southern Germany! So, why oh why isn't there a different queuing system for pilgrims who clearly have put a much greater investment of time, money and effort than those who have gone on a gentle stroll for a few days, with the family?
The large groups that joined for the last sections were not unexpected. That they were incredibly noisy on the track, breaking all chances of quiet contemplation, and make getting a space in an albergue next nigh impossible for the past few days, was something I had already been warned about. But while I may do another section of a camino again, I am pretty certain at this moment in time that I won't do that last leg again and that's a pity. It doesn't have to be so crappy at the end, does it? If anyone at the head office reads this, please consider fast tracking those who have taken the long, slow trek to Santiago.
Speaking as a (former) volunteer in the Pilgrims Office, this happens: When I saw someone (old/obviously sick, or in other ways) incapable of being in-line, I moved them in front, with full approval from the other pilgrims.Perhaps a "priority boarding" system could be introduced? One of the Volunteers could come out and assess pilgrims based on the damage done to their bodies: pilgrims with blisters, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, missing toenails and the like get moved to the front of the queue, those with unsullied clothing or immaculate footwear could be made to wait longer?
You are a wise man, amigo.Which was more important to you, the voyage or the gift at the end of it?
Well put. One day back in 2018 when I was working there, two elderly (80s?) ladies, smartly dressed with the standard "abuela" hair cut and padded shoulders were guided to the desks. Both were blind yet presented credentials claiming that they had come from Sarria with two stamps for each day.Speaking as a (former) volunteer in the Pilgrims Office, this happens: When I saw someone (old/obviously sick, or in other ways) incapable of being in-line, I moved them in front, with full approval from the other pilgrims.
Also, for groups of more than 4, we picked one person as a representative for the group, collected all pilgrim passports of that group, and dealt with the paper work for the group in a separate room.
Having said that: Now the Office has implemented a ticket system as replacement for "the line". You don't have to wait in a line anymore: Get your ticket, and go to the nearest bar (100 m.). You can check on your phone how long time it is for your turn; just finish your beer or other worthy drink and stroll over to the Office when your time comes close. At least it worked like that, last I heard.
IMHO, all pilgrims are equally worthy.
Which was more important to you, the voyage or the gift at the end of it?
Yup. God will sort it out.Well put. One day back in 2018 when I was working there, two elderly (80s?) ladies, smartly dressed with the standard "abuela" hair cut and padded shoulders were guided to the desks. Both were blind yet presented credentials claiming that they had come from Sarria with two stamps for each day.
I looked at the young Spanish lady working alongside me, there was no way they could have possibly walked from Sarria but we shrugged and issued them each with a Compostela. As she said afterwards, who were we to refuse them?
I am going on my third Camino soon and have no intention of lining up for a Compostela. I know I did the Camino so don't feel the need for a Compostela that usually ends up in a drawer somewhere. Just sayinI did my first camino in July-August 2021. I had a really great experience right up until Santiago but Santiago left me massively underwhelmed and disappointed. My main reason for this was that I felt that having walked from St Jean that those who had walked similar distances, with our backpacks all the way, were forced to wait long periods to get the compostella solely due to the large numbers who walked the last 3 days with their bags carried in taxis! In my case, it was 2 1/2 hours! It left a really bad taste in my mouth. Why isn't there a separate office for those who walk for the last few days? I'm all for equality, but this isn't about equality but a lack of respect for those who have come a greater way. In my case, I waited as I say 2 and half hours on feet that were aching from blisters. Some pilgrims walked as far as from southern Germany! So, why oh why isn't there a different queuing system for pilgrims who clearly have put a much greater investment of time, money and effort than those who have gone on a gentle stroll for a few days, with the family?
The large groups that joined for the last sections were not unexpected. That they were incredibly noisy on the track, breaking all chances of quiet contemplation, and make getting a space in an albergue next nigh impossible for the past few days, was something I had already been warned about. But while I may do another section of a camino again, I am pretty certain at this moment in time that I won't do that last leg again and that's a pity. It doesn't have to be so crappy at the end, does it? If anyone at the head office reads this, please consider fast tracking those who have taken the long, slow trek to Santiago.
Those were my thoughts. I wasn't going to frame it. I have photos and memories. I started from SJPP, but as it happened, got sick during the last few stages, so taxied in to Santiago - didn't qualify for a compostela anyway. Although it was disappointing not to walk into Santiago, I was not that disappointed in not collecting a compostela. So, it was going to be a file cabinet awaiting the sorting by my children after I die. I may or may not pick up a compostela this year. I'll decide when the time comes.I am going on my third Camino soon and have no intention of lining up for a Compostela. I know I did the Camino so don't feel the need for a Compostela that usually ends up in a drawer somewhere. Just sayin
I can only assume that since you are a new forum member, and have just completed your first camino, you have not thought too much about how this really is not a simple matter of merit.why isn't there a different queuing system for pilgrims who clearly have put a much greater investment of time, money and effort
Well, the voyage I’d say. Although I always treat myself to a large bowl of icecream at Airas Nunes Café when I reach Santiago. Instead of getting another Compostela: I’ve already got one and don’t feel the need to collect them.Which was more important to you, the voyage or the gift at the end of it?
I have read this before but it still makes me laugh. Wish I had been there. Thanks @alexwalkerSometimes, the volunteers in the Office get an opportunity to have some fun and entertain the waiting pilgrims:
I have posted this one before, but all posts sink into oblivion in here, so I'll repeat it:
I was working as a volunteer in the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago May/June 2019 (A luxury you should try: Free housing in Santiago & contact with 1.000's of pilgrims (in a normal year) each day).
Due to my language "skills", my job(s) was to welcome arriving pilgrims, giving them info on the lineup (la cola; the queue) (now it is a new, digital solution for that), ordering them to have their papers (Credential & passport) ready in order to speed up the processing of the line (1500-2000 new pilgrims/day), filling up the sales stands, finding pilgrim groups that could be treated as a bulk arrival, and more. So I was mostly out in the courtyard, helping the new arrivals, giving info at intervals.
One day, after I had given the standard information to the newly arrived pilgrims, in English, German and Spanish, a man yelled out at me:
"But do you speak NORWEGIAN???!!!"
I asked him (in English and Spanish) if that was what he really wanted, and he nodded intensely. The long waiting line of pilgrims were paying great attention to what was going on in the courtyard now...
So I said "Momentito!", lifted my head towards the sky and stared upwards in silence for 5 seconds, then said out loud "Gracias!", and then I gave him the same pilgrim info in Norwegian (I am a native and citizen of Norway).
I have never before in my life seen such a shocked face... He jumped up and down, yelling words I shall not repeat here, before he came running towards me, giving me a huge pre-CovID hug.
The whole line of pilgrims (100's) was laughing so hard, the volunteers inside stopped writing Compostelas, and came out to see what on Earth was happening outside.
Why ?? , because we are all equall .So, why oh why isn't there a different queuing system for pilgrims who clearly have put a much greater investment of time, money and effort than those who have gone on a gentle stroll for a few days, with the family?
I think this is the majority of regular contributors to the forum.I'd like to thank the people on this forum who do understand it's not how many miles you walk but about your individual journey.
What do you have against cheese?Personally, I think any whiners thinking their walk was more important than someone else's should be given a plate of cheese and sent to the back of the line.
We queued in June 2019, but there was only one person in front of us: a gentleman who had walked from Jerusalem. We were humbled.I'm confused by this thread. What queue are we talking about? Aren't they using the numbered ticket system that began in 2019? Why would anyone be waiting in line for 2 hours?
I’m puzzled too. The whole process took less than 10 min for me, at the end of July. (And only that long because my phone refused to scan so I had to fill-in the form by handI'm confused by this thread. What queue are we talking about? Aren't they using the numbered ticket system that began in 2019? Why would anyone be waiting in line for 2 hours?
If you show up early like I just did you'll have a wait to get to the ticket issuing desk but it's still not two hours. The whole experience took me three hours last week from getting on line to getting my Compostela, but I did some sketching, reading, and souvenir shopping while waiting.I'm confused by this thread. What queue are we talking about? Aren't they using the numbered ticket system that began in 2019? Why would anyone be waiting in line for 2 hours?
My husband just reminded me of what the priest said when he arrived in Santiago Cathedral at the end of his first Camino : ‘‘it doesn’t matter what you have done to get here, the fact that you are here is all that matters ‘ … or something to that effectI did my first camino in July-August 2021. I had a really great experience right up until Santiago but Santiago left me massively underwhelmed and disappointed. My main reason for this was that I felt that having walked from St Jean that those who had walked similar distances, with our backpacks all the way, were forced to wait long periods to get the compostella solely due to the large numbers who walked the last 3 days with their bags carried in taxis! In my case, it was 2 1/2 hours! It left a really bad taste in my mouth. Why isn't there a separate office for those who walk for the last few days? I'm all for equality, but this isn't about equality but a lack of respect for those who have come a greater way. In my case, I waited as I say 2 and half hours on feet that were aching from blisters. Some pilgrims walked as far as from southern Germany! So, why oh why isn't there a different queuing system for pilgrims who clearly have put a much greater investment of time, money and effort than those who have gone on a gentle stroll for a few days, with the family?
The large groups that joined for the last sections were not unexpected. That they were incredibly noisy on the track, breaking all chances of quiet contemplation, and make getting a space in an albergue next nigh impossible for the past few days, was something I had already been warned about. But while I may do another section of a camino again, I am pretty certain at this moment in time that I won't do that last leg again and that's a pity. It doesn't have to be so crappy at the end, does it? If anyone at the head office reads this, please consider fast tracking those who have taken the long, slow trek to Santiago.
What do you have against cheese?
Totally agree. It’s a pity to leave Santiago with that negative vibe, but after 3 Camino Francés, always carrying my gear, badly blistered, I’m prepared to cut short Caminos some slack.Speaking as a (former) volunteer in the Pilgrims Office, this happens: When I saw someone (old/obviously sick, or in other ways) incapable of being in-line, I moved them in front, with full approval from the other pilgrims.
Also, for groups of more than 4, we picked one person as a representative for the group, collected all pilgrim passports of that group, and dealt with the paper work for the group in a separate room.
Having said that: Now the Office has implemented a ticket system as replacement for "the line". You don't have to wait in a line anymore: Get your ticket, and go to the nearest bar (100 m.). You can check on your phone how long time it is for your turn; just finish your beer or other worthy drink and stroll over to the Office when your time comes close. At least it worked like that, last I heard.
IMHO, all pilgrims are equally worthy.
Maybe it was the wrong queue and the pilgrims were all lined up waiting to use the servicios?I still want to know what kind of queues @Mel C had to suffer to receive a Compostela.
Me tooI loved this ... thank you.
I'm going to steal this quote, by the way.
Just sayin'
And then there are those of us in our excitement in getting our first Compostela, who "thought" we were going to frame it...but never did. Yep, in its tube, in a drawer.Those were my thoughts. I wasn't going to frame it. I have photos and memories.
Not Limburger.I would line up for cheese.
I'm confused by this thread. What queue are we talking about? Aren't they using the numbered ticket system that began in 2019? Why would anyone be waiting in line for 2 hours?
I’m puzzled too. The whole process took less than 10 min for me, at the end of July. (And only that long because my phone refused to scan so I had to fill-in the form by hand).
Had there been more people, I would have gone to a bar clutching my numbered ticket and come back when it was my turnMaybe we missed something
I still want to know what kind of queues @Mel C had to suffer to receive a Compostela.
After finishing my first Camino in 2015, I was sitting at a restaurant in Santiago and struck up a conversation with a much older couple at the table next to me. They had arrived in Santiago by car, having driven the whole way, stopping at many villages/cities on the Frances. They were unable to walk the Camino due to health issues, so no Compostela for them. I was extremely touched by their story and their enthusiasm; in my book they still did the camino "their way, their voyage".My husband just reminded me of what the priest said when he arrived in Santiago Cathedral at the end of his first Camino : ‘‘it doesn’t matter what you have done to get here, the fact that you are here is all that matters ‘ … or something to that effect
After finishing my first Camino in 2015, I was sitting at a restaurant in Santiago and struck up a conversation with a much older couple at the table next to me. They had arrived in Santiago by car, having driven the whole way, stopping at many villages/cities on the Frances. They were unable to walk the Camino due to health issues, so no Compostela for them. I was extremely touched by their story and their enthusiasm; in my book they still did the camino "their way, their voyage".
Yes, this is an interesting thread. I have enjoyed both reading it and participating, with some seriousness and a laugh; the best of both imo.
Is this a recent picture?
May 2019 - I believe there is a ticket system in place now.Is this a recent picture?
Yes, the ticket system began in the summer of 2019.May 2019 - I believe there is a ticket system in place now.
That's interesting. I walked in the fall of 2019 and saw no sign of such a system being in use. I walked right in, on Nov. 10, and was ushered in to see a volunteer, there being no line-up. This year, I expect to be arriving on Nov. 11, so maybe the situation will be the same. Regardless, I may, for whatever reason, be tired and grumpy. I certainly am right now, as preparations for leaving on camino next week continue to be challenging (I know some stronger words for this, but prefer not to shock my forum friends). One aspect of walking a camino, for many of us, is being tried until we feel that we can't stand it any more. And then it gets worse (sometimes). And then it gets beyond our control (sometimes). And the wonderful moments also occur beyond our control. I hate standing in line, especially when I am exhausted and grumpy and my feet and legs hurt. Anyone near me who looks happy can easily become a target. I find camino walking to be a wonderful learning experience. One way or another, we are all in this together.Yes, the ticket system began in the summer of 2019.
I queued in 2012, 2013, 2016, 2018…. It was part of the funYes, the ticket system began in the summer of 2019.
You’ll be fineThat's interesting. I walked in the fall of 2019 and saw no sign of such a system being in use. I walked right in, on Nov. 10, and was ushered in to see a volunteer, there being no line-up. This year, I expect to be arriving on Nov. 11, so maybe the situation will be the same. Regardless, I may, for whatever reason, be tired and grumpy. I certainly am right now, as preparations for leaving on camino next week continue to be challenging (I know some stronger words for this, but prefer not to shock my forum friends). One aspect of walking a camino, for many of us, is being tried until we feel that we can't stand it any more. And then it gets worse (sometimes). And then it gets beyond our control (sometimes). And the wonderful moments also occur beyond our control. I hate standing in line, especially when I am exhausted and grumpy and my feet and legs hurt. Anyone near me who looks happy can easily become a target. I find camino walking to be a wonderful learning experience. One way or another, we are all in this together.
Thank you. In the second between my post and your post an email arrived sorting out my latest of many frustrations. I believe that I'll be fine. But I don't think it will necessarily be easy.You’ll be fine
No, it won’t be easy. I know that, you know that, you’ve been thereThank you. In the second between my post and your post an email arrived sorting out my latest of many frustrations. I believe that I'll be fine. But I don't think it will necessarily be easy.
I may have met you: I worked there from May 15 to June 1st., 2019.
Hmmm. I arrived about 14 days after you did, and I had a ticket. I remember that I was #12 and that there was nobody in front of me, nobody behind me… long, long gaps between arrivals I guess. I still have my ticket at home in my ziplock of things from that Camino, but am presently in the remote woods so can’t dig it up.That's interesting. I walked in the fall of 2019 and saw no sign of such a system being in use. I walked right in, on Nov. 10, and was ushered in to see a volunteer, there being no line-up.
2019, just after I left the Office, was the year they implemented the new line digital ticket regime. They may have had some hickups and have had to temporarily return to the old system. I do not know.Hmmm. I arrived about 14 days after you did, and I had a ticket. I remember that I was #12 and that there was nobody in front of me, nobody behind me… long, long gaps between arrivals I guess. I still have my ticket at home in my ziplock of things from that Camino, but am presently in the remote woods so can’t dig it up.
I did my first camino in July-August 2021. I had a really great experience right up until Santiago but Santiago left me massively underwhelmed and disappointed. My main reason for this was that I felt that having walked from St Jean that those who had walked similar distances, with our backpacks all the way, were forced to wait long periods to get the compostella solely due to the large numbers who walked the last 3 days with their bags carried in taxis! In my case, it was 2 1/2 hours!
The intention of the ticket system is: You draw a ticket number, you get/download an app, and the app will show where you are in the line, timewise, based on the recent speed of flow of the "line". So you can relax at one of the cafes nearby (atleast 2), and walk down to the Office (100 m.), when you are nearing your number in the line.My question is - were you given a ticket and then had to return 2.5 hours later to get your Compostela, or did you have to actually stand in line for 2.5 hours, like in the old days before the ticket system?
Thanks. I realize that. I arrived in Santiago in September 2019, and while I didn't want a Compostela, several others that I was with got their numbers, then returned to the pilgrim office when it was close to their time. No one queued for hours, like we did in the pre-ticket times.The intention of the ticket system is: You draw a ticket number, you get/download an app, and the app will show where you are in line, timewise, based on the recent speed of flow of the "line". So you can relax at one of the cafes nearby (atleast 2), and walk down to the Office, when you are nearing your number in the line.
In 2019 we recived a ticket, went off and had breakfast, and came back to a short queue.The intention of the ticket system is: You draw a ticket number, you get/download an app, and the app will show where you are in the line, timewise, based on the recent speed of flow of the "line". So you can relax at one of the cafes nearby (atleast 2), and walk down to the Office (100 m.), when you are nearing your number in the line.
It is of course a great improvement versus the old system, where you had to stay in the line, however long it was. Difficult for old people/health issues.
But as we used to say to lineup pilgrims: You have walked and struggled across Spain for 30+ days for forgiveness: Do not complain about waiting 2 hours for your salvation... (I am not talking about vacationers; but they will also enjoy the Camino, and during their walking days, they may also consider getting a Compostela: Many people do change (for the better) during their walk, (and the Camino (also on that issue) does a great job at that...)
Much better for the pilgrims, and reduces the need for volunteers like me. But it was a good time...In 2019 we recived a ticket, went off and had breakfast, and came back to a short queue.
Australian! How did she get there !We were sitting at a café in the Plaza Cervantes, having just finished our most recent camino and got chatting to an Australian lady who was most pleased with herself for having walked all the way from Sarria. Having walked all the way from Toulouse we were feeling quite smug and very pleased with ourselves. She went on to explain that walking all the way was most gratifying as it meant that all the money her sponsors had promised would therefore definitely go to the cancer research charity she was raising money for. 'How much?' we asked. '$7000'. We, of course, had not raised a cent for anybody. Camino Rule 1: don't judge until you know.
Maybe lives in Europe?Australian! How did she get there !
Presumably stuck outside of Australia or lives in the EU?Australian! How did she get there !
I'm so sorry not to have been in thd queue that day, Alex.The whole line of pilgrims (100's) was laughing so hard, the volunteers inside stopped writing Compostelas, and came out to see what on Earth was happening outside
I understand the frustration but i agree with the majority of comments we never know what those last 100km mean to those pilgrims having walked from SJPDP to santiago i was more moved when i next walked in company with my 82 year old mother from sarria to santiago just to see the sense of achievement upon her face.Presumably stuck outside of Australia or lives in the EU?
Lots of replies and reacions here. I've strongly censored mine, as people in glass houses...well, you know.
But to add to some of the wonderful stories~
On my first camino, meeting the 'Sarria barbarians' was a shock. But then, as one does, I started meeting them. The best was a group of deaf students from Ireland, every single one of them a conduit of pure joy, even in the sometimes driving and cold April rain. I don't understand sign, but I understand happiness.
They were so much happier than many of us who'd plodded from far further away - and I began to wonder why I was taking myself so very seriously. It was a humbling but wonderful lesson.
@Mel C hasn't been here since they posted. But the discussion has been fruitful.
I'm so sorry not to have been in thd queue that day, Alex.
Beautiful.i was more moved when i next walked in company with my 82 year old mother from sarria to santiago just to see the sense of achievement upon her face.
Same way as us, on a plane.Australian! How did she get there !
This was 2019, so like us, she got a plane.Maybe lives in Europe?
But to add to some of the wonderful stories~
On my first camino, meeting the 'Sarria barbarians' was a shock. But then, as one does, I started meeting them.
They were so much happier than many of us who'd plodded from far further away - and I began to wonder why I was taking myself so very seriously. It was a humbling but wonderful lesson.
This is wonderful.One of my favorite quotes is, "I used to want to fix people. Now I just want to be with them."
All so very true, Faith. I think of all the numerous stories you hear all year long at Pilgrim House, and how they must impact your "heart" in so many ways.Yes!! We have so much to learn from each other.
One of my favorite quotes is, "I used to want to fix people. Now I just want to be with them."
My life is richer because I've let myself rest in the moment and connect with people, people my younger self just would have wanted to avoid for whatever reason!
Neither am I. I still usually just want to fix peopleThis is wonderful.
(I'm not quite there yet, TBH.)
Bless you both! Your wife's joyful smile perfectly expresses what I remember feeling, as I stood in that queue, (more than 2 hours btw) in 2018. My heart is full once more, looking at her smile.
☺Same way as us, on a plane.
Were you given a numbered ticket at the Pilgrims Office?It was quite predictable that what seems a crazy system of excessive queues - again in my case - it was 2 and 1/2 hours. I had no idea there was a way of checking the queue online. Of course, had i known that i wouldnt have complained. My predictament was because I was stressed trying to get a covid test done in time and catch a flight, running back and forth and being left in the dark. Maybe staff letting pilgrims know there was an online check might help. Anyway, thanks for all the tut tuts and spiritualising of a soviet style queueI will remember that day as highly stressful and unpleasant regardless of whether you found it just fine and dandy.
No doubt, especially given you had to get that test. I can totally imagine the feeling of stress and frustration. It sounds like navigating the whole queueing system with an app/QR code is either not obvious, or could it be in abeyance?I will remember that day as highly stressful and unpleasant
If there was a sign at the front door, I didn't see it. Looking at it with newbies' eyes, the system was a complete shambles. Those who knew in advance what to do were pretty much stress free as they knew of the online queue info.Were you given a numbered ticket at the Pilgrims Office?
I'm trying to understand what the current process is at the Pilgrims Office. The last time I was in Santiago in September 2019 pilgrims got a numbered ticket at the office. There was a large sign explaining how they could check online to see what number was currently being served, and where they were in the queue.
Has that process changed?
Are you saying that you stood in an actual line for 2.5 hours?
Thanks for coming back @Mel C and for reading and responding. Compostellas with a 2021 date on them will probably have bragging rights attached in the years to come. On your next Camino give yourself a little more time in Santiago. It's a great little city.I regret posting the original post as I left out a lot of details which are probably relevant to why it was a particularly stressful time for me. First, I was there first thing before the queue opened but I would have had to rush off after a few minutes to look for a covid test for my flight back. There was a sign that referred to scanning the code but I had no idea that this involved filling in a website, no information was next to it to explain what to do. I left my friend in the queue, I rushed across town to try and get a covid test done for the flight the next day's time. First place said it would be 6pm the next day before the result, suggested another clinic, another rush across town. I won't go into all the details but the nub of it was I had a test booked for 12, and the result was going to be in 48 hours time, worse than the first place, and it meant I would miss my flight. So that was why I was so stressed when I returned to the queue and now had 260 ahead of me by the time i worked out what to do back at the office. For the next two hours i stressed over whether i will have to choose between missing the test or my line in the queue, at no time did anyone inform me of the online info. In the end as the time got closer to my deadline, I gave up on the queue and went back to the original clinic, which was 1km away, the other was a further 1km or so. They arranged an early test, and now with the relief of that I rushed back to join the queue which was still about 70 to go. I think I eventually got the compostella at 1/1.30pm, as I'm only counting the time I stood in queue, between mad dashes across town. The panic was over once I was able to book a fresh flight which cost another 150 euro, on top of the 100 euro test. It is great that many of you think queues for this long are all par for the course but I think maybe my experience was not entirely unique, and maybe for newbies a sign at the front to explain the system might take some of the stress off. I did enjoy the rest of the day but if I wished one thing for other pilgrims is that they didnt have to wait literally hours for a piece of paper. Call me crazy but I think the system could be improved.
Sorry you had a stressful day. I have no experience with the new system at the Office, but it sounds as there is room for improvevent. Maybe someone on the ground, like @natefaith . @ivar or @SYates could walk over there and check out how informative it really is?I regret posting the original post as I left out a lot of details which are probably relevant to why it was a particularly stressful time for me. First, I was there first thing before the queue opened but I would have had to rush off after a few minutes to look for a covid test for my flight back. There was a sign that referred to scanning the code but I had no idea that this involved filling in a website, no information was next to it to explain what to do. I left my friend in the queue, I rushed across town to try and get a covid test done for the flight the next day's time. First place said it would be 6pm the next day before the result, suggested another clinic, another rush across town. I won't go into all the details but the nub of it was I had a test booked for 12, and the result was going to be in 48 hours time, worse than the first place, and it meant I would miss my flight. So that was why I was so stressed when I returned to the queue and now had 260 ahead of me by the time i worked out what to do back at the office. For the next two hours i stressed over whether i will have to choose between missing the test or my line in the queue, at no time did anyone inform me of the online info. In the end as the time got closer to my deadline, I gave up on the queue and went back to the original clinic, which was 1km away, the other was a further 1km or so. They arranged an early test, and now with the relief of that I rushed back to join the queue which was still about 70 to go. I think I eventually got the compostella at 1/1.30pm, as I'm only counting the time I stood in queue, between mad dashes across town. The panic was over once I was able to book a fresh flight which cost another 150 euro, on top of the 100 euro test. It is great that many of you think queues for this long are all par for the course but I think maybe my experience was not entirely unique, and maybe for newbies a sign at the front to explain the system might take some of the stress off. I did enjoy the rest of the day but if I wished one thing for other pilgrims is that they didnt have to wait literally hours for a piece of paper. Call me crazy but I think the system could be improved.
Unfortunately, due to the slow unwinding of covid restrictions in ireland, my schedule was tight and i didnt have as much time at the end that i would have liked. We were clocking up a lot of 34km days at the end just to get there on time. But yes, it would be nice to have more time to savour the place and visit the chapels.Thanks for coming back @Mel C and for reading and responding. Compostellas with a 2021 date on them will probably have bragging rights attached in the years to come. On your next Camino give yourself a little more time in Santiago. It's a great little city.
Many of us oldtimers on this Forum know their ways around, but has also reached a changing point in life due to walking the Camino. I hope you too received some gifts from your walk. FWIW, I salute you for being able to walk the whole distance; my experience is that it may take some time to wind down, find peace, and just go with the flow.Unfortunately, due to the slow unwinding of covid restrictions in ireland, my schedule was tight and i didnt have as much time at the end that i would have liked. We were clocking up a lot of 34km days at the end just to get there on time. But yes, it would be nice to have more time to savour the place and visit the chapels.
Perhaps. But blind people run marathons so…all it takes is a little help. Perhaps, being of a certain age, there’s no way they wouldn’t first freshen up and change before doing something so important.Well put. One day back in 2018 when I was working there, two elderly (80s?) ladies, smartly dressed with the standard "abuela" hair cut and padded shoulders were guided to the desks. Both were blind yet presented credentials claiming that they had come from Sarria with two stamps for each day.
I looked at the young Spanish lady working alongside me, there was no way they could have possibly walked from Sarria but we shrugged and issued them each with a Compostela. As she said afterwards, who were we to refuse them?
The gist of the story is that you have to plan not only the journey to… but also the time after you arrive. Next time just stay for a few days and explore the city further. It's so worth it.I regret posting the original post as I left out a lot of details which are probably relevant to why it was a particularly stressful time for me. First, I was there first thing before the queue opened but I would have had to rush off after a few minutes to look for a covid test for my flight back. There was a sign that referred to scanning the code but I had no idea that this involved filling in a website, no information was next to it to explain what to do. I left my friend in the queue, I rushed across town to try and get a covid test done for the flight the next day's time. First place said it would be 6pm the next day before the result, suggested another clinic, another rush across town. I won't go into all the details but the nub of it was I had a test booked for 12, and the result was going to be in 48 hours time, worse than the first place, and it meant I would miss my flight. So that was why I was so stressed when I returned to the queue and now had 260 ahead of me by the time i worked out what to do back at the office. For the next two hours i stressed over whether i will have to choose between missing the test or my line in the queue, at no time did anyone inform me of the online info. In the end as the time got closer to my deadline, I gave up on the queue and went back to the original clinic, which was 1km away, the other was a further 1km or so. They arranged an early test, and now with the relief of that I rushed back to join the queue which was still about 70 to go. I think I eventually got the compostella at 1/1.30pm, as I'm only counting the time I stood in queue, between mad dashes across town. The panic was over once I was able to book a fresh flight which cost another 150 euro, on top of the 100 euro test. It is great that many of you think queues for this long are all par for the course but I think maybe my experience was not entirely unique, and maybe for newbies a sign at the front to explain the system might take some of the stress off. I did enjoy the rest of the day but if I wished one thing for other pilgrims is that they didnt have to wait literally hours for a piece of paper. Call me crazy but I think the system could be improved.
I’m wondering how older pilgrims (who were most on the road when I walked during a non peak time of year) enjoy digital check in? I’m not young, but fairly computer savvy and am “tech support” for older friends and relatives. I’m imagining them being told to scan something. How’s that been working out?Were you given a numbered ticket at the Pilgrims Office?
I'm trying to understand what the current process is at the Pilgrims Office. The last time I was in Santiago in September 2019 pilgrims got a numbered ticket at the office. There was a large sign explaining how they could check online to see what number was currently being served, and where they were in the queue.
Has that process changed?
Are you saying that you stood in an actual line for 2.5 hours?
I am 67. Former computer engineer (programmer/systems engineer/designer) all my life. I have some trouble with the wonderful new world of apps and sh.t. I prefer real books and paper. But I manage...I’m wondering how older pilgrims (who were most on the road when I walked during a non peak time of year) enjoy digital check in? I’m not young, but fairly computer savvy and am “tech support” for older friends and relatives. I’m imagining them being told to scan something. How’s that been working out?
I consider 60s on the youngest edge of olderI am 67. Former computer engineer (programmer/systems engineer/designer) all my life. I have some trouble with the wonderful new world of apps and sh.t. I prefer real books and paper. But I manage...
Other old people without tech background may struggle a little, I suppose. But my partner who is 69, manages perfectly. But then again, she has her nose in the iPhone all day...
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