<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><HTML><FONT SIZE=3 PTSIZE=12 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Franklin Gothic Medium" LANG="0">I, for one, can't wait to go.<BR>
Whereas ordinarily I shun and very much dislike crowds, I have found, over the years, the Camino or quasi-religious crowded events in Spain to be unobtrusive, very exciting, and incredibly enjoyable.<BR>
There can be no greater crowds than those in Seville during Holy Week, when one may spend the better part of one hour traversing one block if a procession is passing by, or it is expected; and the Rocio Romeria crowds cannot be believed even if one has been in their midst.&nbsp; Yet, they are exhilarating, enervating, and imbued with smiles, hugs, and cordially shared emotions.&nbsp; I wouldn't miss them for the world.<BR>
The crowds at Santiago, and on the Camino, should be pretty much the same.&nbsp; They certainly were during the opening of the Holy Door last December 31st.&nbsp; I neither&nbsp; heard a single complaint nor saw anyone with a crossed expression;&nbsp; exactly the opposite.<BR>
Furthermore, the Camino people, throughout, are preparing for the numbers expected. Even the Army will provide "field-like facilities" (tents, bathrooms, kitchens, etc.).<BR>
As the beautiful poem dedicated to pilgrims and published in the October Compostela says:<BR>
"Vete" <BR>
Go.<BR>
Affectionate regards,<BR>
Rosina</FONT></HTML>