[Gocamino] No more free albergues. Botafumeiro update.

[blaroli at aol.com]

Hello you all,
It is official.  Sr. Rodriguez Escobar, general director of Xacobeo (the organization that regulates albergues, etc) has announced the implementation  of the rules that will require those using albergues to pay 3 Euros per night.   The required fees will go into effect next January lst. and will brooch no exceptions.
(Apparently this decision is a reaction to the repeated, and increasing,  complaints from many people that fake pilgrims co-opt albergue facilities to obtain free lodgings depriving legitimate pilgrims of their use.)
 The computerized interconnection of albergues will also be put into effect then, as well as the rule that the only pilgrim credentials to be recognized in albergues, and for the purpose of obtaining the Compostela, will be the ones issued by the Archdiocese which, presumably, will be available anywhere.
Would-be pilgrims seeking a credential will be scrutinized somewhat more closely to ascertain their bona-fides.  
Sr. Rodriguez Escobar allowed that those abusing the albergues are almost exclusively young Spain nationals ...... mostly students.

The new rope that will hold the Botafumeiro has arrived in Santiago from Valencia.  It is 65 meters long, 50 millimeters in width and it weighs 95 kilograms (209 lbs) and it was fabricated of special synthetic and steel fibers tested for endurance.
The rope was trucked from Valencia to Santiago, but when it arrived it couldn't be delivered. The truck had forgotten to obtain a special permit to enter Obradoiro and it was held outside the Casco over the weekend until the permit could be gotten (!). Well, the rope has been delivered and it will be installed this week.  The "tiraboleiros", (the guys that pull the rope), have been called for night-time try outs and if all goes well the Botafumeiro will go aloft before the end of the month.
Let's hope.

Hugs!

Rosina



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