Adrian Harding 65
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances, Portuguese, Catalan, Moz, VdlP, Ingles
I’m sure that the title of this piece will already have turned off the purists, who have already moved on to more esoteric subjects. But, give me two minutes and hear me out. First, remember that we are human beings who, from time to time, need a room to ourselves, private washing facilities, and space away from snoring 65 year olds like me. Secondly, dismiss any prejudice you have based on your experience in motorway service stations in US, UK or Germany.
I’m currently on the Mozarabe and VdlP, and three times in the last two weeks have used motel facilities I wouldn’t previously have given a second thought to. I’ll be explicit and sing their praises. Hostal Cesar in Acerejos, Hostal Kavanna in San Pedro de Merida and today, Hostal Asturias near Aldenueva de Camino. In each case, the facilities have been wonderful, the friendliness of the staff has been exemplary and the quality of the cuisine has been like a highly rated restaurant. And all this for a few pennies more than sharing a dormitory in an Albergue.
I’m not knocking Albergues, as they are our primary means of doing what we do. But sometimes they are full, closed, or not close enough in the case of the the longer-staged Caminos. The stage on VdlP from Carcaboso to Aldenueva is famously long with no intermediate facilities, and this provides a challenge even to experienced Camino walkers. Hostal Asturias will collect you from the Roman archeological site of Caparra, take you to their motel free of charge and, once inside, you would think that you were in a top hotel. But the cost of accommodation and amazing, truly amazing, food is hardly any different from staying in a Albergue Municipal. I have eaten like a king for €12. I have been treated like a lord, on a paupers pay.
Once every five days, adjust your principles, suppress your prejudice, and recognise your practical comfort needs. You won’t be disappointed. On the contrary, you will be very pleasantly surprised.
Sent from my iPhone
I’m currently on the Mozarabe and VdlP, and three times in the last two weeks have used motel facilities I wouldn’t previously have given a second thought to. I’ll be explicit and sing their praises. Hostal Cesar in Acerejos, Hostal Kavanna in San Pedro de Merida and today, Hostal Asturias near Aldenueva de Camino. In each case, the facilities have been wonderful, the friendliness of the staff has been exemplary and the quality of the cuisine has been like a highly rated restaurant. And all this for a few pennies more than sharing a dormitory in an Albergue.
I’m not knocking Albergues, as they are our primary means of doing what we do. But sometimes they are full, closed, or not close enough in the case of the the longer-staged Caminos. The stage on VdlP from Carcaboso to Aldenueva is famously long with no intermediate facilities, and this provides a challenge even to experienced Camino walkers. Hostal Asturias will collect you from the Roman archeological site of Caparra, take you to their motel free of charge and, once inside, you would think that you were in a top hotel. But the cost of accommodation and amazing, truly amazing, food is hardly any different from staying in a Albergue Municipal. I have eaten like a king for €12. I have been treated like a lord, on a paupers pay.
Once every five days, adjust your principles, suppress your prejudice, and recognise your practical comfort needs. You won’t be disappointed. On the contrary, you will be very pleasantly surprised.
Sent from my iPhone