Spanish [antikvár]

INTRODUCTION This little book is more than a collection of useful phrases. It also answers many of the questions which a traveller in the Spanish-speaking countries will wish to ask about food, travel, customs and so on. Of course, it is not possible to give precise details about all these things, because timetables, rates of exchange, passport and customs regulations change. Up-to-date information may be obtained from travel agencies. Labour exchanges also supply information about passports, and banks about currency rates and regulations. A table is provided on page 140 in which the current rate of exchange should be entered. Trains There are four types of train in Spain: the Talgo (Irun-Madrid) and the Tqf (from principal coast towns, e.g. Santander, Seville-Madrid) are fast luxury trains; the expreso is first and second class only; the rápido and correo have all three classes and are slow, though recommended for local colour and the '"common touch." Other trains have long halts for meals although Spaniards usually take food with them, e.g. cold chops, omelettes, etc. Sleeping-car travel, when available, is good and about the same price as in England. Second class travel is comfortable; some third class compartments have wooden seats. Travellers are advised to book well in advance through an Agency or R.E.N.F.E., since, in the summer especially, there is a great shortage of seats in coast-bound trains. The booking office in the station is open for about one hour before the train leaves, and closes five minutes before the departure of the train. Local Information This may be obtained in any city from the Oficinas de Información de la Dirección General del Turismo. Meals in Spain breakfast consists of coffee and rolls. Lunch and dinner are the main meals and these meals are usually served at about 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. respectively. Afternoon tea is not provided in hotels unless specially ordered. All milk is boiled, hence tea without milk is preferable where