refugio availability

[Tom Priestly]

Arzúa has three hostals, two fondas, and the
lodging-house Casa Frade (at least, the
Confraternity's little red book of 2003 lists all
of these). This little book is worth twenty times
its weight in foot ointment!
Incidentally, we stayed in the last-named in
mid-September 2003, and were the only guests that
night. Thirty euros for two rooms with shower;
plus a washing line outside the window. One block
from the main square. The landlady was
EXTRAORDINARILY kind, going out of her way to
cook for me a special meal which was
simultaneously low-fat and helpful in
counteracting three doleful days of dreadful
diarrhea. (She and her mother had to be persuaded
at length to turn up the sound on their TV, which
they had muted in deference to us.) She was
welcoming and kind and a great encouragement to
me personally at a time of some distress. I
encourage others to try her hospitality!
Tom Priestly

>Sarria, Portomarin, Palas de Rey, Melide, Arzúa (?), and O Pino all
>have alternative lodgings. They are small cities, not tiny villages.
>However, in the busy season, it might be necessary to have
>reservations. I put a question mark after Arzúa, since I don't remember
>if I actually saw anything there, but it is certainly big enough to
>have a hotel or two. I haven't checked the internet or the archives of
>the group, but I remember that there are lists of alternative overnight
>accommodations available along the pilgrimage route, complete with
>telephone numbers.