Accommodation in a town on the camino

Hi All,

I am looking to find an apartment or a house to rent for 4 to 8 weeks in one of the towns at the beginning of the camino. The place should have a suitable space to invite pilgrims passing through the village every evening in, to learn about and practice meditation. I have in my mind an image of a small building with a living space upstairs and a garage below. This would be perfect!!

I realise you can book accommodation through certain agencies that deal with summer rentals, but these are usually tourist prices. I am looking for something less aimed at passing tourists. I did the camino a number of years ago and remember seeing places to rent, that weren't typical summer holiday homes, they were more for long term accommodation. These would be ideal for what I want. Perhaps those of you who have recently completed the camino or know the towns well might be able to remind me with greater detail of such places.

Any information anyone has to offer will be appreciated. Relevant links to websites, blogs, videos of towns, photos of places to stay and buildings, estate agency numbers, names of people living in those towns, contact details for refugios, bars, shops or other businesses etc.. would be of use!!

Thanks!!
D

Thank you all for your responses. Let me just touch on some of the comments that were made.

The once-off nightly meetings will last an hour to an hour and a half and will be provided in both English and Spanish, at separate times. The simple technique of mantra meditation, the benefits of regular practice, and how best to incorporate it into one's daily schedule will be explained to those attending. The meeting will include a 30 minute guided meditation practice allowing all to experiment with the process and more importantly to experience the benefits of surrendering to one's inner silence. Before leaving each person will be given a free booklet which will explain in more detail what was already explained at the meeting. The booklet will be a good companion for both beginners and experienced meditators. The meetings will be run on a donation basis, the moneys collected used towards funding basic living costs; the accommodation and food.

I should note the techniques and teachings which will be provided are non-denominational, and are accessible to anyone of sound body and mind.

I have already contacted many refugios, albergues and ayuntamientos. Things are moving slowly. I am currently trying an alternative approach and contacting meditation groups and yoga centres based in Pamplona. It is best that this service be offered at the beginning of the walk. A big tent is a simple but good idea. There are some disadvantages but I will look into it.

i am curious to what Reb might be thinking. I hazard to guess it might be setting up a middleman business for those like me. If this be the case, don't forget my predicament.

Mr. Falcon has re-inspired me to look a little more into finding an easy access piso somewhere on the camino. It would need to have a bit of room to hold 20-40 people. Mr. Falcon I appreciate your links.

Best wishes to you all,
I'll let you know how things unfold.

David

Here is the Spanish letter I have been sending out, if you should need it.


Estimados Senores,
Les escribo a ustedes desde Irlanda porque estoy interesado en aquilar una casa pequena o un piso, en uno de los pueblos, situado en el Camino Francés, durante un período de cuatro a ocho semanas durante el verano. Es mi intención proporcionar talleres a los peregrinos que pasan por el pueblo cada tarde, enseñandoles, qué es la meditación y cómo se practica, tanto en inglés como en español. Los talleres, basados en la donación, servirán para dar a los que tienen interes unas practicas y tecnicas de meditar, no sectario, cuales ayudaran a los que las utilisan con regularidad, experimentar el crecimiento espiritual y el bienestar personal. Incluyendo estas practicas en su rutina diaria mientras haciendo el camino, el peregrino se disciplinara, dedicandose a la continuación de las practicas, incluso cuando ya han terminado sus peregrinaciónes.

Busco alojamiento apropiado para vivir y para proporcionar las talleres. Un edificio de dos plantas, con un piso arriba y un garaje abajo, o una casa pequena con un espacio amplio en la parte de abajo, sería ideal. Ya he buscado en internet por las paguinas web de unos imobiliárias. No obstante, parece que, o solo ofrecen servicios para turistas, cobrando precios de verano, o no destacan con mucho claridad que es disponible.

Será mejor que el pueblo es en un pueblo de Navarra, o Rioja, cerca el principio del camino, por la razon, que los que asisten a los talleres les quedaran mas tiempo para practicar. El pueblo no debería ser desmasiado grande, o si no, la gente se distraeran haciendo otras cosas, y no se informaran sobre los talleres.

Les he escrito, porque me he dado cuento de que ustedes estan involucrado mucho con el camino. Ustedes saberan mas sobre lo que hay disponible, y los datos de contacto de las personas que me pudiese ayudar encontrar alojamiento apropriado.

Agradezco mucho que hayan tomado el tiempo para leer esta carta. Si quisieran mas informacion podrías mirar al la paguina web http://www.kriyaireland.com o ponerse en contacto conmigo directamente a través de meditation4k@gmail.com

Espero su repuesta atentamente.
Saludos David McGrath

Rebekah,

Thank you for your suggestions. I will do all I can before I go to Spain. Regardless of whether or not I have a place organised I will still travel and as you might say, 'just see what happens'. It would be good to stay in touch. I'll keep you updated on how it all fairs out. In the meantime, keep your eyes and ears open for me please.

David