Passports

[Elyn Aviva]

I have in front of me  a letter and "Information for Pilgrims" from Oficina
de Acogida al Peregrino, SAMI Catedral, Santiago. e-mail
oficina.peregrinosaplanalfa.es (I think there's a dot in there). Fax,
981.566030. I faxed them asking for information in getting a credential from
them. The reply was among other things to get the credential where I start
the Camino or to bring "una carta de presentqacion de su parroquia, Obispado
o similar, donde conste sus numbres, la intencion de hacer la peregrinacion
tradicional a Santiago (a pie, en bic o a caballo), el punto de cominzo,
fechas, etc. Etc. Attached was a  two-column sheet entitled "Informatin for
Pilgrims," that says "we recommend you to requeset a recommendation letter
(credential) in your parish, in the bishopric, in a brotherhood, etc. This
document recognizes you as a pilgrim and it must be shown in the rfuges or in
the most important places along the Way to St. James."
[NOTE: it includes brotherhood, so I  presume hat means The Friends of the
Camino, for example. It also seems to confuse a recommendatin letter with the
credential that msut be stamped.] To continue:
Section 2, "On the Way,"talks about getting the credential stamped at
refugres, arishes, or other institutions "or even commercial establisments
with the DATES corresponding to the stages. It is necessary to get [bold
face] AT LEAST TWO STAMPS PER DAY. If you are not able to obtain the
crednetial in your town or city of origin, you can request it in the stating
point of your pilgirmag. In case you nevertheless are not able to find any
credential, you are allowed to put the stamps on a route-book."
And it goes on: the importance of the LAST 100 kms of walking or on horseback
or LAST 200 kms cycling.

So, there you have it. That's what I know.
Buen Camino,
Elyn Aviva