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<DIV><FONT size=2>I second the notion not to carry a lot of cash. If you
plan to stay regularly or occasionally at a hostal/hotel/parador, most all
take VISA. Many peregrinos end up walking with a group traveling at the
same pace and often share a meal at the refugio or albergue.
Someone will buy the bread, another the pasta, another something to put on the
pasta, another olives, another cheese, another wine.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>There are restaurants in every town which offer a "menu del
dia" which consists of a 1st plate (usually a choice of a large interesting
salad, or a pasta dish or home-made soup) a 2nd plate of French frys and mystery
meat or stew, bread, postre (dessert or ice cream, flan or a piece of
fruit) and a beverage, a choice of 1/2 litre of mineral water, a tiny cup of
espresso or wine, as much as you want, all for under $10 per
person. Two years ago, when I ordered ["pink" wine and my
husband ordered red, two open bottles (sometimes with labels, sometimes without)
were placed on the table. We drank all we wanted. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>A "hostal" in Spain is a level or accommodation below that of
a hotel. A refugio or albergue is more analogous to what we in the USA
think of as a youth hostel. </FONT> <FONT size=2>Hostals are rated
with stars. The Paradors, which many times are converted historical
buildings, can be very expensive, both for meals and rooms. When
were were staying in a convent in Santo Domingo de la Casada we met a woman who
was able to access the internet thru computers located in the
Posada.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2> jean <A
href="mailto:jeandaveamindspring.com">jeandaveamindspring.com</A></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>