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Eagle54 said:I'm a 58 year old man and I'm hoping to spend 3 weeks walking the Camino Frances with my wife in late April and early May. I've read that most of the albergues have bunk beds, and that bottom bunks are generally more popular. Here is my problem: I'm scared to death of sleeping in a top bunk. I used to roll around a lot in my sleep. When I was young (and a very deep sleeper) I often woke up on the floor next to my bed, having fallen out of bed during the night. This happened many, many times. I haven't done this for years, but I have a lifelong fear of top bunks. I will not sleep in a top bunk.
On the Camino, I know I might be assigned to a top bunk, or all the bottom bunks might be taken. I don't have a physical disability that would obviously give me preference for a bottom bunk, and I don't know if my limited Spanish would be adequate to explain my situation. Since bottom bunks are evidently popular, I also worry about coming across as thinking that I'm somehow special, entitled to special privileges.
I'm hoping that in April and early May the albergues will be less crowded, and I'd try to arrive early. But I'm a slow walker, and I can't be sure I'd always find a bottom bunk available. I have enough money to stay in hostals and hotels some of the time, but they are not available in every town, and I'd like to meet fellow pilgrims in the albergues. Is is practical for me to plan to stay in albergues? Any advice?
Anniesantiago said:I agree that it shouldn't be a problem, especially if you get to the albergue before the crowds. To do this, try walking "between stages" in Brierley's book instead of following the masses.
Also, I have only been "assigned" a bed once or twice. Generally, you can choose your own. I am one of those who asks for a special place because I have multiple chemical sensitivities and people's perfume, deodorant, soap, and scented lotions can make me sick for days with flu-like symptoms, so I need to sleep near an open window. I've never been told no, although I have had some interesting discussions with people from different countries who swear that the cold night air is harmful, even in summer!
grayland said:Actually, there is alternative accommodation available in almost every village that there is an albergue. :
I can understand their feelings about the air if not the cold. For me keeping windows closed is the easiest way to limit exposure to pollen at night - I'd love to be able to sleep with open windows as I did before developing hay fever but experience has taught me otherwise. When it is at its worst I alternate between uncontrollable shivers and burning heat, get eye irritation so bad that it's agony to keep them open in the morning, and the nasal congestion can lead to very loud snoring.Anniesantiago said:I've never been told no, although I have had some interesting discussions with people from different countries who swear that the cold night air is harmful, even in summer!
SabineP said:I only had one assigned bed and that was at Gaucelmo in Rabanal del Camino. Topbed unfortunately because I would always chose a lower bed ( due to average toilet visit of two times a night and I preferred not to wake my downstairs neighbour ).
That's strange Sabine. When I was hospitalera at Guacelmo, we did as younger people and males to take a top bunk if possible, but it was always left up to the Pilgrim to accept or not. We never actually assigned a bunk - only made suggestions. This was in Sept 2010. I was also there last Sept 2011 for 3 days helping out and again, there was never any assigning of bunks. AnneSabineP said:I only had one assigned bed and that was at Gaucelmo in Rabanal del Camino. ).
Anniesantiago said:I think it's so much nicer when hospitaleras make suggestions rather than assign beds.
Anniesantiago said:I think it's so much nicer when hospitaleras make suggestions rather than assign beds.
I loved Guacelmo, by the way, and the afternoon tea - What a sweet spirited place that was!
The priests were "on holiday" when we were there, so a very nice Czech priest said mass out in the back yard on Sunday. It was awesome!
annakappa said:That's strange Sabine. When I was hospitalera at Guacelmo, we did as younger people and males to take a top bunk if possible, but it was always left up to the Pilgrim to accept or not. We never actually assigned a bunk - only made suggestions. This was in Sept 2010. I was also there last Sept 2011 for 3 days helping out and again, there was never any assigning of bunks. AnneSabineP said:I only had one assigned bed and that was at Gaucelmo in Rabanal del Camino. ).
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