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Need the Patience of a Saint
We all need the Patience of a Saint
In Santiago, I found another saint, with a familiar name, my very own name saint. That was a nice surprise, in contrast the New Normal is now the year-old One (that does not work) is a rather tiresome surprise. Travel restrictions that were lifted, some people say, prematurely last summer, are back in the regions where pilgrims once trod the Camino. No one says the Camino is closed — but restrictions and region closures mean that it is. And those who do accept the few pilgrims can cop a lot of flak on social media — but as one albergue owner said — How can I turn away a pilgrim at the door? All kinds of moral issues spring up here and are often in collision with legal issues.
For the Frances, it means that you cannot walk through Navarra. La Rioja, Castilla y Leon and Galicia. This is rigourously enforced and Guardia Civil ( police) have been issuing fines of up to 300€ for those who cross closed boundaries with no good reason.
Camino Portuguese — non essential travel within Portugal is prohibited and the border with Spain remains closed to date.
The Camino Ingles is completely in Galicia — so you could walk it, if you are a resident of Galicia- but read on.
