Tavira to Seville

Having booked three nights at the youth hostel and observed the Seville bus departure time of 9.15, the option was open this morning ... cloud cover and light rain added energy to it along with a forecast that snow was unlikely along the Via de la Plata as Spring arrived and the walk North unfolded ... nothing wrong with snow walking, but footwear chosen does not include boots, just the trusty multi-purpose Scarpa shoes ...

Yesterday brought more deep conversation with David, still considering his own options, which now include Tamera and pilgrimming ... meanwhile an experienced Portuguese pilgrim arrives, considering the East Portugal route from Tavira .... good luck with that Diogo! He is full-on with the life and happily contemplating the permanent pilgrim path, without money or worry...with a coincidence noted when talking of Juan, Argentinian peace pilgrim from first walk, who Diogo also met ... on reflection this conversation brought today's last minute decision to the fore ...

So, after breakfast, there were 20 minutes to pack, say goodbye to Joana at reception and Diogo, awaiting Johannes and the credential for the East Portugal Caminho, and a brisk walk to the bus station, a spare seat on the bus ... and so to Seville in search of my own credentials ... and a bed for the night, of course. ..

... which turns out to be at the Triana Albergue, via three tourist information places, none of which were clued up on the Via de la Plata and its starting point at the cathedral ... the first was not actually a public office, but having gained entrance they were kind enough to give me a map and directions to the city centre office ... which suggested the regional authority office by the cathedral, which offered a card for the local pilgrim association along with the helpful information that they were open again Monday for issuing of credentials ... more helpful were directions to the Triana Albergue, where pilgrims often stay and credentials are issued ... in this case by the very friendly Pauline (pictured), who also offers instructions for the route tomorrow morning ... later rehearsed, since leaving large cities on foot is not always easy ... the distinctive "lipstick" tower points the way ...

Lunch in a rather posh restaurant on the river is notable for the view, if not the food ... and the bill is reasonable enough ... amusing to observe the power game with the waiter hierarchy: maitre de, senior waiter (possibly waiting for the top job), and the commis waiter, learning the tricks of the trade ... but that's maybe for another blog!