I recall a possibility of obtaining a Compostella by postal application. This may be a wish-memory but might merit investigation.
Tink: I would suggest that we not go there. There is no backroom staff to do this, even if it were possible. This is the first I heard of it.
I suggest not encouraging it. If the office wanted to offer this service, they would advertise it.
The only requests like this that I have ever heard of is the replacement of a lost or stolen Compostela. Those can be done, but involves a huge among of research, as the manual records must by hand-searched to find the original estadillo form that the pilgrim filled out.
NOTE: EU data protection laws prohibit retaining names in any database. So, a manual paper search is required. The original estadillo forms are retained in hard copy and filed chronologically. First, you determine the date you are interested in. Then you find the appropriate box. Then you flip through EVERY piece of paper until you find the right one. This is NOT the Pilgrim Office's fault. These are the EU rules.
This can take hours or days, for no monetary return. If a staffer is doing this research, they cannot be issuing Compostelas.... do you see my point.
This is NOT a good way to handle this issue.
Pilgrims need to plan ahead better. Assume they need to stay one more day and night at Santiago. Failure to plan ahead does not create an emergency condition for the office.
HINT: Someone who finds themselves in this unfortunate jam should ask for 'solo sello' "stamp only." This will immediately get them the two stamps in the credencial to signify that they made it and finished their Camino. One stamps goes on the last sello page in the credencial. The second stamp is on the inside front cover. Both are dated. The first stamp indicates that you arrived at the Cathedral. The second stamp closes the credencial so it cannot be used again in future. It is free, takes a minute, and can be done even by the security guys through the closed front gate. Half a loaf is better than none.
This problem is only partially the result of the change in queueing systems and process. It is more the fault of increased volumes. Although the demand pattern and volume is changing, the availability of staff, both paid or volunteer is somewhat inelastic.
Remember, the Compostela remains FREE. So, they cannot say, gee, our best product line is expanding so we need to hire more staff with the revenues...there are no revenues from Compostelas. While there is income derived from Distance Certificates and various items sold in the office, these funds barely cover the costs of the current staff.
This is why, and knowing what I know, I continue to hammer away at providing an optional express, automated Compostela process, at least for those who CHOOSE to do this.
I recall and harken back to the old saw: "...you can have it good, fast, or cheap...pick two..."
Right now, we offer one solution... "good and cheap." I am trying to bring about an alternative choice" "fast and cheap." It may also be good (a trifecta, if you will) if you consider perfect calligraphy laser printing on every Compostela issued in the express process a good thing.
Hope this helps.
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