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?
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?