Slowing down in Tavira ...

Johannes, the Belgian tour organiser and driving force behind the Eastern Caminho to Santiago, arrives after breakfast for some feedback on the 2015 attempt, aborted at Serpa after five days of asphalt bashing ... some intermediate stages planned though the historical way by the Roman roads unlikely to be changed ... no desire to go there again ...

A trip the the charity shop enables a further connection with Geoff, who runs a Sunday service in the back room ... and arranges three town properties to visit to get a feel for what's available ... none calling ... Ron, from Toronto and long time visitor to Tavira, turns up with luggage, rather abashed at having announced a trip to Canada for New Year festivities and changed his mind and ticket ... there is a big event here, with fireworks at midnight, though the issue is why such importance is placed on these seasonal events ... staying awake so late a special challenge ... all those people determined to have fun ...

Diana arrives, having sold a house in UK and travelling around in her car, seeking inspiration on what to do next, and where ... being of retirement age, but without pension ... Kiwi passport though no reason to go there ...

The editor writes to advise settling somewhere, to engage more deeply with people ... he has a point perhaps, though nowhere except Stanhope calls that strongly ... and the pilgrimming addiction persists, though that can be managed as part of a settled life ... maybe ...