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True, trueAs an albergue novice I would really appreciate some advice on what to expect and how to behave when staying in an albergue. For example.......
- should I expect a communal meal? What happens when you want to eat out at a local bar or restaurant?
- is it expected or simply appreciated if you help with the cooking or the washing-up?
- showering: in the evening? in the morning? both? Do you queue up and take your turn or book a slot?
- bedtime: is there an unspoken rule about "lights out"?
I have no doubt that I will make horrendous social blunders but it would be nice to keep them to the minimum!
Only, if the Albergue is known for a communal meal. Like Casa Emaús in Burgos or the Parroquial in Grañon.- should I expect a communal meal? What happens when you want to eat out at a local bar or restaurant?
In my experience: like the communal meal. If so, you will find out.- is it expected or simply appreciated if you help with the cooking or the washing-up?
As far as I did it: after the check-in, getting rid of the street-dust. And in the morning, if possible. Getting ready for the road.- showering: in the evening? in the morning? both? Do you queue up and take your turn or book a slot?
Sometimes there are strict rules (closing time), sometimes not and sometime unspoken. But as rule of thumb 10pm is almost a good point to get a good healthy sleep and to get up early.- bedtime: is there an unspoken rule about "lights out"?
As far as I did it: after the check-in, getting rid of the street-dust. And in the morning, if possible. Getting ready for the road.
Roland, thank you. That's very helpful.Only, if the Albergue is known for a communal meal. Like Casa Emaús in Burgos or the Parroquial in Grañon.
If you want to eat out, than you eat out.
In my experience: like the communal meal. If so, you will find out.
As far as I did it: after the check-in, getting rid of the street-dust. And in the morning, if possible. Getting ready for the road.
Sometimes there are strict rules (closing time), sometimes not and sometime unspoken. But as rule of thumb 10pm is almost a good point to get a good healthy sleep and to get up early.
HTH
Brilliant! What a great summary. Many thanks.Usually when you check in, the hospitalero will orient you to open, lights out, and time to vacate. If there is a communal meal you may be given an option to help cook, set the table and wash up after the meal. You may be asked about food allergies or preferences. Some hospitaleros are territorial about the kitchen while others like to engage with pilgrims. There may be a kitchen to prepare your own food. Wash up after and remember that other pilgrims may be waiting to use the pots and pans, too.
You'll likely be asked to put your shoes on a rack by the door and wear another pair indoors to prevent the road dirt from being tracked inside. Some albergues assign you a bed and others may tell you to choose one. We usually assign so we can hold back some lower bunks for older or injured pilgrims who may arrive later. You'll need a sleeping bag of some kind.
The hospitalero will show you where you can hand wash your clothes or there may be a machine. Usually the hospitalero runs the machine and soap is included in the cost of the wash. There will be a rack or clothesline for drying or there may be a dryer.
In the bathroom just considerate. There is usually a mop bucket out for you to mop up after your shower. You will want to bring your own towel and toiletries. Let the hospitaleto know if you need more toilet paper. We check often, but when things get busy sometimes we need a reminder.
In the bunk room, try not to be too noisy. Don't set an alarm. Keep the rustling of zippers, plastic bags to minimum. Don't put your backpack on the bed or on a chair. If it is a donativo, don't forget to leave your donation. We say give what your heart and pocketbook will allow. Consider what you would have paid for similar services at an albergue with a certain charge for bed, meals. Etc.
You'll soon get the hang of it.
Are you able to lock up your pack and gear?Usually when you check in, the hospitalero will orient you to open, lights out, and time to vacate. If there is a communal meal you may be given an option to help cook, set the table and wash up after the meal. You may be asked about food allergies or preferences. Some hospitaleros are territorial about the kitchen while others like to engage with pilgrims. There may be a kitchen to prepare your own food. Wash up after and remember that other pilgrims may be waiting to use the pots and pans, too.
You'll likely be asked to put your shoes on a rack by the door and wear another pair indoors to prevent the road dirt from being tracked inside. Some albergues assign you a bed and others may tell you to choose one. We usually assign so we can hold back some lower bunks for older or injured pilgrims who may arrive later. You'll need a sleeping bag of some kind.
The hospitalero will show you where you can hand wash your clothes or there may be a machine. Usually the hospitalero runs the machine and soap is included in the cost of the wash. There will be a rack or clothesline for drying or there may be a dryer.
In the bathroom just be considerate. There is usually a mop bucket out for you to mop up after your shower. You will want to bring your own towel and toiletries. Let the hospitaleto know if you need more toilet paper. We check often, but when things get busy sometimes we need a reminder.
In the bunk room, try not to be too noisy. Don't set an alarm. Keep the rustling of zippers, plastic bags to minimum. Don't put your backpack on the bed or on a chair. If it is a donativo, don't forget to leave your donation. We say give what your heart and pocketbook will allow. Consider what you would have paid for similar services at an albergue with a certain charge for bed, meals. Etc.
You'll soon get the hang of it.
At some places there are lockers, but at most places no. Carry anything of value with you at all times.Are you able to lock up your pack and gear?
That was also how I did it. I also tended to shower a bit differently in albergues. I would turn on the water to wet myself, turn it off and soap up, then turn it back on to rinse off. You use a lot less water that way, saving more hot water for other pilgrims. At home I am more wasteful.Get the shower out of the way when you arrive. The morning is for getting up and moving on.
I tend to give, not according to what I have received but what I would like future pilgrims to receive. After all, what I give determines just that. I worry that if we give according to what receive a group of stingy pilgrims could send an albergue on a downward spiral. There would be less with which to provide for the next batch of pilgrims, leading them to receive less and give less and so on. Hopefully, pilgrims being the mutually supportive bunch I've seen, giving according to what we want other pilgrims to receive will head in the opposite direction.If it is a donativo, don't forget to leave your donation. We say give what your heart and pocketbook will allow. Consider what you would have paid for similar services at an albergue with a certain charge for bed, meals. Etc.
Albergues vary, each is different. Some offer communal meals and some do not. It’s not obligatory and nobody will be offended if you do not partake. Sometimes the hospitaleros prepare communal meals and sometimes albergue kitchens are simply a free for all with pilgrims preparing their own food and doing their own cleaning up. Ask when checking in because a communal meal can be a separate charge. Most people shower in the afternoon after they arrive, not in the AM. Showers are first come first served. Lights out times vary according to the group staying that night. Some folks are noisier later into the evening and sometimes everyone is asleep and snoring in chorus by 9-10PM. Re showers, bathrooms, lights out, just try to be considerate. You’ll get the hang of it in no time. There is usually a time by which the hospitaleros want everyone to have left in the AM, usually no later than 8 o’clock. This gives them time to clean and make ready for the next group. There are no strict standard rules across the board for staying in albergues. However, upon check in, you will be notified of any specific rules for a particular albergue.As an albergue novice I would really appreciate some advice on what to expect and how to behave when staying in an albergue. For example.......
- should I expect a communal meal? What happens when you want to eat out at a local bar or restaurant?
- is it expected or simply appreciated if you help with the cooking or the washing-up?
- showering: in the evening? in the morning? both? Do you queue up and take your turn or book a slot?
- bedtime: is there an unspoken rule about "lights out"?
I have no doubt that I will make horrendous social blunders but it would be nice to keep them to the minimum!
In my experience most do notAlbergues vary, each is different. Some offer communal meals and some do not.
Lockers, where available… when not, I read in another forum post about the Hero Clip - seems handy for being able to hang packs off of bed rails, to keep them off the floor and off beds when there aren’t hooks - or maybe “enough” hooks - available.Where do you put your pack and gear, if not on the bed or the chairs when sleeping and exploring the town?
i agree with you..but seriously cream up feet before putting on my socks..to avoid blisters and it has worked well so far. Shower at night after pushing 25 to 30 kms Not in the morning for an early start.A note about morning showers: I have found that starting my walk with slightly moist feet, even from a morning shower, make my feet more susceptible to blisters. So I only do morning showers if I am NOT walking.
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