Having checked into our hotel, the Hostal Dos Reis Católicos (Hotel Parador de Santiago), we had plenty of time to explore Santiago. One of the reasons for setting off so early, was to arrive in time to attend the Pilgrim's midday mass in the cathedral. Later we joined a queue of 5 foot, pointy-elbowed nuns to go back into the cathedral. When we realised we were signing up for a three hour service, we left pretty quickly. We had a chance to look around in more leisure the following day.
The Hostal Dos Reis Católicos dates back to the 15th century and claims to be the oldest hotel in the world. The self-guided tour was very interesting, and the meal in the hotel's main restaurant was excellent. However, the staff ought to attend one of the Hotel San Vicente's Customer Service courses!
The next day, after our cathedral visit, it was time to head for home, the highlight being a four-hour stopover at Madrid–Barajas Airport ... and still almost missing our flight!
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