Albergues

[Rosina Lila]

Hello you all,
The municipal authorities of O Pino, Arzua and Melida have reported on the
preparations underway to accommodate the increased number of pilgrims expected
this Xacobean year in their communities. In conjunction with the Galician Xunta
and the Spanish Government Ministry of Culture they have begun to outfit
schools and sports arenas to provide ample and satisfactory facilities for
pilgrims passing by.
They have also suggested that pilgrims be asked to contribute 1 Euro (1.33 US
Dolls.) to the albergue where they may spend the night.
-When I translated the articles written by the commentator who walked the
eight routes of the Camino in Galicia I noticed that he mentioned his suspicions
that, on occasion, foreign pilgrims were given preference over Spanish
pilgrims  and he thought that the reason might be that, as a rule,  the only pilgrims
that do make a contribution to the public albergues are those from outside
Spain.
There are, of course, a great many quasi-private albergues that do require a
fixed contribution, 3 or 4 Euros as a rule. Some, like the lovely one in
Estella, will include a nice breakfast for 7 Euros in total.
The impressive albergue run by the Cistercian nuns in Santo Domingo de la
Calzada suggests a contribution of 3 Euros, or 5 if breakfast be included, but
nuns being nuns, they often overlook it.

In Santiago itself another public (free) albergue is beinc completed, the San
Lazaro albergue which is slated for juveniles (teenagers and such) but will
take in those pilgrims that cannot find a vacancy either in Monte del Gozo or
the "Minor Seminary". The possibility of making available for the purpose the
"Major Seminary" in Azabacheria Square (the real name of which is "Inmaculada
Square) is being contemplated.
Several quasi-private albergues opened last year, including the "Aquarius"
one which is very well situated since it is close to the center of town, and
religious orders opened three more.
In addition, when I was in Santiago in January I saw  leaflets and notices
displayed in the office of tourism information which advertised special rates
for pilgrims of as little as 6 Euros per night. As I remember, most of the
related places were in the casco itself.
I may have picked up some of the leaflets; if I find them I'll post the
information.
Warm regards,
Rosina
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