Living and working on the Camino

[Mark Di Marzio]

My life has revolved around the Camino de Santiago since I stumbled upon a 2nd hand copy of Paulo Coehlo’s book ‘The pilgrimage’ in sacred heart goodwill op shop in St Kilda (Melbourne , Australia) in 2014 . I researched and planned my Camino in 2015 and flew to London then made my way down to St Jean Pied de Port & walked from St Jean to Santiago de Compostella . It was such a healing and transformative experience for me . I completed hospitelero training in early 2017 and worked in an albergue in Bercianos in Oct 2017 and afterwards walked the Portuguese Camino from Porto . I returned to Spain in 2018 and walked again . This year in 2019 I walked one more time .
I can’t really get any more time off work for the next year or two . However over the last 3 years I have been in the process of arranging euro citizenship (dual Australian -Italian citizenship) to allow me the opportunity to live in Europe if I so desire . I feel that I would like to research opportunities to live a more authentic and meaningful life where I can use my skills and abilities in service on the Camino de Santiago more fully .
I’m interested in seeking practical information of people that have left their jobs and homeland and now live and work in some capacity in Spain or Portugal or Italy on the Camino full time . How did they make this happen ? How did they find a place to live /work ? What kinds of things did they need to organise to make it happen ? Are there websites or other links where I can find info. ? How are they finding life now ? Any comments , reflections welcome . Thankyou kindly , Mark

 

[Hobbyhorse]

Rebekah Scott is a wise and wonderful member of this forum. As you can see by following these links back to her writings, she is part of the beating heart of the Camino in the most practical, passionate, difficult and sublime ways.".

During this time when it is not possible for you to be on the Camino in person you may see a way to be of service - her Peaceable Projects activity is inspiring.

I recommend her Camino-located book of medieval historical fiction 'The Moorish Whore'

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/big-fun-in-a-tiny-pueblo/

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/peaceable-projects-newest-camino-non-profit.52168/

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/the-moorish-whore-a-camino-book-like-no-other.14497/

 

[Mark Di Marzio]

Thankyou for the links . I know of Rebekah through the forum and I also recently donated money to the project to save the Santa Cruz albergue in Sahagun from being closed down . She’s amazing and inspiring .i support her cause .I’m actually looking for more specific practical information / advice / tips / on living and working on the Camino as per my initial post . Thankyou kindly , Mark

Rebekah Scott is a wise and wonderful member of this forum. As you can see by following these links back to her writings, she is part of the beating heart of the Camino in the most practical, passionate, difficult and sublime ways.".

During this time when it is not possible for you to be on the Camino in person you may see a way to be of service - her Peaceable Projects activity is inspiring.

I recommend her Camino-located book of medieval historical fiction 'The Moorish Whore'

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/big-fun-in-a-tiny-pueblo/

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/peaceable-projects-newest-camino-non-profit.52168/

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/the-moorish-whore-a-camino-book-like-no-other.14497/

uz

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

On Google searches put in the word expatriate too.

 

[Mark Di Marzio]

On Google searches put in the word expatriate too.

Yes..Expatriate is a good word to plug into google . I went to my local library this afternoon and got out a book on living abroad in Italy -I couldn’t seem to find a similar one for Spain . . I also have found some links via the Internet of house sites (renting and buying) in Spain . I know the Internet is awash with information -sometimes there is too much information to sort through . I was just looking for some personal experiences of people who may be members of the forum -who have perhaps walked the Camino a number of times like I have , who have then decided to make a transition to living and working full time in Spain or Portugal or Italy in some capacity Camino related that they may care to share -in terms of how they made it work for them , costs , some tips, things they have learnt, advice they may care to pass on etc to help me in my research . Thankyou kindly

 

[mimmi.valente]

Hi Mark!
I understand you because last year I had your same troubles. I'm from Italy and I have walked 2 Caminos to Santiago (Portuguese and French) and my dream is to run a my own albergue on the French way. I started like you to search for info on internet, or writing in Fb groups about the Camino or on forums like this.
I am in a sabbatical year at the moment.
I was hospitalera on the Portuguese way last summer and I'm in Spain now as hospitalera in Castrojeriz. I have found this last place on workaway, it's a private albergue, a good place to stay and practice how to manage an albergue.
I have understood that the important is to stay on the Camino, to know people and talk with them, to ask everyone if there are places to rent or manage. And I will go to visit and talk the owners of some albergues on the next two weeks.
As about Italy and the possibility to work on the Italian Caminos, I'm a little bit sceptical at the moment. You can ask to volunteer in some public albergue on the Francigena way for example, but to find a job there is more difficult than on a Spanish Camino, in my experience.
Buen Camino and good luck!

 

[martin1ws]

You could send @Rebekah Scott and @SYates a personal message ('Start conversation' after clicking on their portrait).

 

[Rebekah Scott]

thanks all you guys for the kind words.
Several years ago I wrote a piece for this forum for people who are considering emigrating and/or opening their own albergue, something like "So You Want to Run Your Own Albergue." I think it is in the Resources section. Perhaps one of the techie people can find the link?
Tons of people share your dream, I hear from at least four or five every year... it used to be more impractical, but in the last couple of years I have seen MANY more people emigrate to Spain to live along The Way, many of them American retirees. You have lots of time to do your homework and avoid the pitfalls.

 

[martin1ws]

thanks all you guys for the kind words.
Several years ago I wrote a piece for this forum for people who are considering emigrating and/or opening their own albergue, something like "So You Want to Run Your Own Albergue." I think it is in the Resources section. Perhaps one of the techie people can find the link?
Tons of people share your dream, I hear from at least four or five every year... it used to be more impractical, but in the last couple of years I have seen MANY more people emigrate to Spain to live along The Way, many of them American retirees. You have lots of time to do your homework and avoid the pitfalls.

Here is the link:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/so-you-want-to-run-your-own-albergue.21604/

 

[H R]

My life has revolved around the Camino de Santiago since I stumbled upon a 2nd hand copy of Paulo Coehlo’s book ‘The pilgrimage’ in sacred heart goodwill op shop in St Kilda (Melbourne , Australia) in 2014 . I researched and planned my Camino in 2015 and flew to London then made my way down to St Jean Pied de Port & walked from St Jean to Santiago de Compostella . It was such a healing and transformative experience for me . I completed hospitelero training in early 2017 and worked in an albergue in Bercianos in Oct 2017 and afterwards walked the Portuguese Camino from Porto . I returned to Spain in 2018 and walked again . This year in 2019 I walked one more time .
I can’t really get any more time off work for the next year or two . However over the last 3 years I have been in the process of arranging euro citizenship (dual Australian -Italian citizenship) to allow me the opportunity to live in Europe if I so desire . I feel that I would like to research opportunities to live a more authentic and meaningful life where I can use my skills and abilities in service on the Camino de Santiago more fully .
I’m interested in seeking practical information of people that have left their jobs and homeland and now live and work in some capacity in Spain or Portugal or Italy on the Camino full time . How did they make this happen ? How did they find a place to live /work ? What kinds of things did they need to organise to make it happen ? Are there websites or other links where I can find info. ? How are they finding life now ? Any comments , reflections welcome . Thankyou kindly , Mark

Hi Mark, you could check out the EURES portal which has a lot of information on Living & Working in European countries. It also has a jobs portal where you can search for relevant jobs. EURES is a partnership of all of the European Public Employment Services and some private actors. see this link www.eures.europa.eu best of luck with your endeavors. H

 

[linkster]

@Mark Di Marzio you and Natalie were hospitaleros at the Albergue parroquial Casa Rectoral when I was there in October of 2017. You caught me and mi amigo soaking our feet in the big blue tubs, and made us in charge of washing dishes.

We really enjoyed your hospitality, and I hope that you will be successful in chasing your dream!

 

[ParistoCapeCod]

You aren’t alone in this! The tricky part is getting paid/making a living. I left Sao Pedro de Rates today after 2 weeks, they welcome longer term volunteers in winter. Becoming a blogger with sponsored posts is a viable way to work location independent on The Way. Mix it in with free housing with TrustedHousesitters. Nomadic Matt (Kepnes) has some good info on earning money abroad. Buen camino

 

[Mark Di Marzio]

Thankyou kindly for all the responses . I’ll do some research now , check out the links posted and see how it goes .
Thankyou very much . Cheers Mark

 

[Oregon's Mark]

Contact Susi, from Casa Susi, in Trabadelo. She is an Aussie who opened her own Albergue. I stayed there in June. She has a wonderful story. I recommend her Albergue to everyone I know....

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Google International living magazine. It is a magazine geared towards individuals who want to become ex pats. They also have a daily email they send out highlighting many of the questions you are asking.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Contact Susi, from Casa Susi, in Trabadelo. She is an Aussie who opened her own Albergue. I stayed there in June. She has a wonderful story. I recommend her Albergue to everyone I know....

Great point ! She is a very nice lady we met several years ago and would be a great contact for you.

 

[Blintintin]

From two sisters ... who emigrated from Ireland in Sept 2019 to live and work along Camino in their new retreat, .... you may want to consider contacting them.

https://m.facebook.com/groups/430645737311953?view=permalink&id=905422439834278

 

[Mark Di Marzio]

From two sisters ... who emigrated from Ireland in Sept 2019 to live and work along Camino in their new retreat, .... you may want to consider contacting them.

https://m.facebook.com/groups/430645737311953?view=permalink&id=905422439834278

Thanks for this .However, I can’t seem to locate it - when I try -it says’broken link ‘ .

 

[Mark Di Marzio]

Google International living magazine. It is a magazine geared towards individuals who want to become ex pats. They also have a daily email they send out highlighting many of the questions you are asking.

Thankyou !

 

[SYates]

Check out @Rebekah Scott's excellent post (here the link again: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/so-you-want-to-run-your-own-albergue.21604/)

If it is only you that wants to move, you might want to look in doing something less demanding than running an albergue. There are plenty of other things pilgrims need help with.
If you are staying more than 90 days in Spain you need to register with the foreign police here in Spain, straight forward for an EU passport holder - but you need Spanish to do so.
As for housing, plenty of real estate agents around here - Do you plan to rent or buy?

Hope that helps a little bit, if you have more concrete questions, please come back with them ;-)

BC SY

 

[Mark Di Marzio]

Check out @Rebekah Scott's excellent post (here the link again: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/so-you-want-to-run-your-own-albergue.21604/)

If it is only you that wants to move, you might want to look in doing something less demanding than running an albergue. There are plenty of other things pilgrims need help with.
If you are staying more than 90 days in Spain you need to register with the foreign police here in Spain, straight forward for an EU passport holder - but you need Spanish to do so.
As for housing, plenty of real estate agents around here - Do you plan to rent or buy?

Hope that helps a little bit, if you have more concrete questions, please come back with them ;-)

BC SY

Great post . I read it . Really good. Thankyou for the excellent information. Many good points . I’m not sure if running an albergue is for me -but I’m doing some research at the moment and appreciate comments and advice so alternatives are being considered .I am actually in the process of becoming an EU citizen through Italian -Australian citizenship. It’s been a long process (years) but I’m nearly there . I also have some ok , but could be better ,Spanish language skills , through Spanish lessons and my previous trips to Spain - which needs improvement but going ok. I am fluent in Italian and of course English .
Perhaps I might spend 6 months to a year sabbatical in Europe in the next few years once I get citizenship . We’ll see how it goes . Thanks again for all the excellent responses, advice , links , information . Much appreciated . Cheers

 

[linkster]

@Mark Di Marzio this is not necessarily Camino related, but possibly a way to network. I met a peregrina who volunteered after her Camino for several weeks at Vaughan Town in Madrid. She gave a presentation about the Camino to the participants during her tenure. Here is an article about Vaughan Town. The article cites a few other like organizations.

 

[Mark Di Marzio]

@Mark Di Marzio this is not necessarily Camino related, but possibly a way to network. I met a peregrina who volunteered after her Camino for several weeks at Vaughan Town in Madrid. She gave a presentation about the Camino to the participants during her tenure. Here is an article about Vaughan Town. The article cites a few other like organizations.

Thanks mate ! Good stuff ! I’ll have a look at it ! Cheers

 

[Blintintin]

you'll have to join FB group 'Camino de Santiago 2019/2020' ...(It does not allow me to invite you) ..look for 'Hillary Braniff' ..she posted this.

 

[Blintintin]

this is Hilary's FB post..

 

[Stephan the Painter]

Just a comment, not really answering your question.

I also have "jure sanguis"dual citizenship with Italy (and the USA). It sounds like your still going down that path. Took me 6 years to complete the paperwork... hope yours goes smoother. Of course there are lots of resources for expats that you can easily find on the web, although camino specific seems doubtful.

I hope to move to Italy next year, living at first off savings and proceeds from renting my house. Of course the Mediterranean is cheaper then the US and definitely Austalia, too, where I worked once.

It's my feeling that you just have make the leap. It's only once your on the ground where you want to be that you will discover the opportunities and resources that will allow you to stay and live the life you want. Maybe an albergue volunteer position in the right location that allows you to explore, make friends.

I guess what I'm saying is yes, do some research, but just plan a date, save some money and then go. Even if it's not perfectly arranged. I myself have been thinking about and delaying the Camino since 1999 and am finally doing it this spring (and now it's super-crowded, ughh!)

I only say this because abour 15 years ago, I moved too the Netherlands, and did all this advance planning, almost none of which was relevant in the end. Also, I would guess that Northern Spain is a hard place to find a job unless you have some needed specialized skills. Good luck!

 

[Mark Di Marzio]

Just a comment, not really answering your question.

I also have "jure sanguis"dual citizenship with Italy (and the USA). It sounds like your still going down that path. Took me 6 years to complete the paperwork... hope yours goes smoother. Of course there are lots of resources for expats that you can easily find on the web, although camino specific seems doubtful.

I hope to move to Italy next year, living at first off savings and proceeds from renting my house. Of course the Mediterranean is cheaper then the US and definitely Austalia, too, where I worked once.

It's my feeling that you just have make the leap. It's only once your on the ground where you want to be that you will discover the opportunities and resources that will allow you to stay and live the life you want. Maybe an albergue volunteer position in the right location that allows you to explore, make friends.

I guess what I'm saying is yes, do some research, but just plan a date, save some money and then go. Even if it's not perfectly arranged. I myself have been thinking about and delaying the Camino since 1999 and am finally doing it this spring (and now it's super-crowded, ughh!)

I only say this because abour 15 years ago, I moved too the Netherlands, and did all this advance planning, almost none of which was relevant in the end. Also, I would guess that Northern Spain is a hard place to find a job unless you have some needed specialized skills. Good luck!

Good to read your thoughts . Looks like we have a few things in common .Yes, the Italian consulate here in Melbourne have been very ‘bureaucratic ‘ and obtuse to deal with -I don’t know why -I have all the right paperwork -they just have their own way of doing things . They have a convoluted system . Anyway ... I’m nearly there .
I think you are right about just getting to Europe and working it out as I go . It kind of suits my way of operating anyway . I will most likely keep working-I’m a senior high secondary school teacher) and saving money for the next few years because I’ve been overseas 6 times in the last 7 years ( 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 years were walking the Camino and also hospitelero-ing in 2017 ) and I can’t get more time off -used up all my long service leave - and leave without pay options - I need to stay at work and stay put a while & save a bit more . That’s why I’m researching it now . Anyway..
I appreciate all the comments , tips , encouragement and support .
Thanks a lot everyone ! You guys rock ! Camino family is the best !