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<P>The train station is <EM>Chamartin</EM>, one of the two major stations in Madrid (the other is <EM>Atocha</EM> for trains to southern Spain) with a rail connection between them. There are are also several minor stations in Madrid. All of the trains to/from Santiago serve Chamartin as do the trains to/from France and most of the trains to various places in northern Spain including Barcelona.</P>
<P>In November Iberia was still offering a reduced fare on domestic flights, including the Canary Islands, but I heard that it was difficult to get flights to other places in Europe. I know of that problem only through hearsay, however. </P>
<P>The Parador Reyes Catholicos across the Obradorio from the cathedral offers pilgrims with a Compostela free meals, but not in its restaurant. The meals are offered in the same area where hotel employees are given their meals. There is a limit on the number of free meals offered per day. The pilgrim office has information when one arrives in Santiago. I did not take advantage of the free meals, but I heard that they were quite decent. The restaurant in the Parador is an experience not to be missed if one is willing to spend about US$35 per person (including wine!). There was a recent article in the New York Times Sunday travel section listing the restaurant as one of the best in Spain, and I would certainly agree with the assessment. </P></DIV>
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<DIV>E. O. Pederson</DIV>
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<DIV>Seattle, WA</DIV>
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