Camino politics . . .

Along the camino is evidence of large investments from the European Union.

It fits many EU aims, the loftiest perhaps, to create harmony between the people of Europe after the carnage of the last century.

Part of the strategy is to break up the nation states, devolve power to regions, whilst reserving larger strategic powers for Europe as a whole.

In Spain, the regional governments appear to have secured money for camino infrastructure. Lots of signposts along the paths, bigger ones along roads, not for pilgrims, just to tell the world it is nearby. Paths upgraded, towns and villages made pedestrian friendly.

Streams of people from all over Europe, the world, travel the various paths, passing time together, sharing food, shelter, ideas. Most important, getting to know each other beyond national stereotypes.

For the settlements along the way, being on the official route is vital for the local economy. Political games are played at all levels. Occasionally, off route businesses paint their own yellow arrows to tempt customers. Private albergues complain about the church or local government subsidised competitors.

The camino has had a huge revival over the last twenty years and while some pilgrims seek to travel very simply, others are having a holiday, spend lots of money.

Reading snippets of history in towns along the way, it is clear that the camino political game has been going on for centuries; this or that bishop rerouting the way to the benefit of favoured towns.

All this is observation; I'm sure you can read about it from people who have researched it properly. Up in Aragon, there are two alternative routes, vying for recognition; south of the reservoir via Ruesta or north via Yesa. The Ruesta campaign slogan says Yesa No! This is only funny in English.

Meanwhile, back on the European stage, murkier forces from the North are helping develop the less affluent areas. And calling in the debts, when things go wrong. Looking rather like conquest without war.