More than Disappointment at Ponferada mega albergue
This is my first post since completing my Camino in June 2012. I felt compelled to respond.
Right after my night there, I dubbed the Ponferrada albergue "the albergue from hell". Before anyone criticises, please read.
The situation was as described. I called it WWII bomb shelter like. I believe it was (or felt like) at least 100 or more people sleeping in the room. There were no windows only doors at both ends of the room. One door led to an outside set of stairs that led to showers about 70 meters away.
Even in May 2012 it warm. With that many people in a room with no circulation, the coughs and sneezes were amplified. I tried to sleep through the symphony of expectorating noises, but in the continuing heat of the night, I was unable.
The bunk beds were very close together. I am about 6'0 and about 91 kgs and could fit between the bunks barely - certainly not with anything in my arms. Rucksacks were placed between the beds to complicate the matter. The height between the mattresses was also an issue. I actually cut my leg on the bed supports above me moving around in the bed. Sitting up on the side of the bed was impossible. It was roll out of bed and stand in one motion.
After a couple of hours of sleeplessness listening to the bodily fluid symphony, I too had to leave to sleep in the kitchen only to find I was not the only one with this thought.I ended up on a couch on the computer floor two floors up. Again, not the only one with this thought.I considered myself lucky to find this couch empty. I was very happy to be leaving the next day.
I guess the only good part of the noise level was that the loud and endless snoring became a welcome diversion.
I loved staying in the various albergues. Some were cleaner, brighter, friendlier, and more comfortable than others. But those differences were a part of the Camino experience. Those differences also provided stories and laughs. Some almost made you feel at home, and some were just a stop with a bed. But all of those were enjoyable for their own reasons. Ponferrada was, for me, a completely different experience and one a would not wish on anyone.
For those who would judge my comments as coming from a "spoiled" pilgrim. I would mention that I enjoyed the remaining situations I encountered on the Camino - whether they be physical or mental.
There did not seem to be many private albergues in Ponfeadda. Maybe that is due to the mega albergue capturing all of the pilgrims at the low municipal pricing of 5 euros. It might be a better strategy for the city to downsize the municipal facility and allow private albergues to flourish. That's just a thought from a beleaguered pilgrim.
Buen Camino y buenos dias to all (even the Ponferrada albergue)