<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>In a message dated 3/2/2002 10:17:20 PM Eastern Standard Time, sue.kenneyaSYMPATICO.CA writes:<BR>
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<BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">I remember<BR>
thinking when I was on the Meseta that if something happened to me here,<BR>
no one would ever know. I would just dissappear. </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>
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As additional comfort for solo walkers and women, I've read that Spain has strict laws that protect pilgrims from harm. There are supposedly very severe penalties imposed against criminals who are found guilty of crimes committed against pilgrims. I do not know the exact nature of these laws or when they have originated, but I'm sure that most potential wrongdoers are aware of these laws. Howard Mendes, NYC</FONT></HTML>