free pilgrim meal

[Rebecca Belchamber]

 To all out there, 



I had read it so many times - After you get your Compostela, make a photocopy and then you are able to get 3 days of free breakfasts, lunches and dinners at the 5 star hotel (Hostal dos Reyes Catolicos) in the same square as the Cathedral. Imagining the huge demand there would be for such an experience, and knowing just how down on funds many of the pilgrims were, I thought we would make sure of our place in the queue. Dinner would be the best time to go, as this would be the most generous meal. This was served at 6pm. So we took our places at 6pm, smirking to find ourselves the first there. 



Right on 7pm a doorman came and gave us a signed chit, then directed us to the main entrance. So we were allowed in through the same door as all the elegant people milling around the square. We were escorted through a foyer, and then crossed a garden to the back of the building, and into the kitchen. Here we finally saw another person, who joined us in  collecting their meal on a tray , then vanished. There is a small comedor or dining room set aside for pilgrims - we were the only two in there; the sun was streaming through a small open window, and we sat down to a three course meal. Basic, I'll grant you, and the chips were probably heated up from lunch, but there were potatoes as well, so we left the chips. A glass of vino tinto, of course, and the whole place to ourselves. Some bargains are worth chasing.

Hope others can enjoy the same experience,

Rebecca Belchamber
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