Comparison Shopping

In the northern part of Spain where we have been walking for the last month, the basic cost of living (and traveling) is quite low. In the larger cities, costs are a bit higher but not much. All the prices are in Euros (€), so to covert to U.S. dollars increase it by about a third, e.g., €10 = $13.50. The nice thing in Europe is that the price includes tax, so what is on the price tag or menu is what you pay. 

Our lodging expenses have been €5-10 per night per person in the albergues. Hotels generally run €60 and way up per night. Pensions and casa rurals are a little less expensive. 

Food costs are way less than in the U.S., especially in the bars and restaurants.  Almost all restaurants have a Menu del Dia or Peregrino's Menu, a fixed price meal with a starter, entree, dessert, bread and a bottle of wine for €9-12. It isn't always fine cuisine, but it is hearty.  At the coffee shops (bars), the cafe con leches are €1-1.50. Nice pastries are €1. 

We've been trying to cook as much as possible in the albergues because the restaurant food gets tiresome quickly. At the supermercado, we can pick up enough groceries and a couple bottles of wine to feed 4-6 people for €15-20. 

Probably the best deals are beer and wine. At the bars, you can usually get a draft beer for €1-2, a little higher if it is a grande (supersize). Often, the bar will serve a tapas or two with the beer. Here is what Canada Mark and I had at a little neighborhood bar last night for €5 ($6.50). 

Wine is even a better deal. You can get a bottle of decent Rioja for €3, a very good bottle for €5 and and excellent bottle for €10. 

Today, we walked 31K to Pereje, a very tiny village. Last night, the municipal albergue in Villafranca was filled to overflowing. They put mattresses I'm the communal rooms and people were sleeping outside this morning. There were probably 250 people at the albergue. 

Many school groups are starting the Camino in the last 200K. We will need to stay away from the larger albergues for the remainder of our walk. The albergue in quiet Pereje is exactly the type of place  we will need to stay. 

Today's good intentions are for the members and staff of the Downtown YMCA. We have made deep friendships there and the staff are amazing. This Richmond institution is quite remarkable and we are proud to be a part of it.