David's Cantina Outside Astorga

[Dennis D]

The walk from Hospital De Orbiga to Astorga today was memorable. It rained during the entire journey. Parts of the trail was flooded and it was also muddy.

I got to what is normally a wet weather creek that had developed into a raging river. As I approached it I wondered how I was going to get safely across. Standing in the water was a man who was helping Pilgrims step on boards to get to the other side. When he helped me, I slipped and he caught me. He wanted nor did he expect any money for this service.

When I was safely on the other side it took me a minute to recognize him. He was David, who is now listed in Brierley's guide book as "Cantina - Casa de los Dioses." He has been running a Donativo for years.

He told me that his girlfriend Susie was up at the Cantina and to say hello. When I made my way up the hill, there was this lovely woman with a smiling face standing inside a warming shelter. She was making tea and coffee for anyone that stopped. It was nice to stand inside a warm and dry place for a few minutes.

This special place is just before Cruceiro de Santo Toribio outside of Astorga.

I net David last year in May standing behind his cart. It was warm and he was offering fruit drinks and good conversation. You had to look hard to find a donation box. Money was secondary to this experience.

This a very special person to stop and spend a few minutes with on the way to Astorga. If it is raining hard, he will be standing in the river to help.

In my view, this is what the Camino is all about.

 

[mspath]

Glad to read that David was there and able to help! He is such a wonderful host and help for so many, many pilgrims. Be sure to read this recent Forum thread re David . ...Those who have met him always remember him with pleasure.

 

[Karen Schoenfelder]

I might just be a day or 2 ahead of you on the Camino! We just passed David 2 days ago. It has been so rainy and muddy and it was such a welcome sight to come upon his casa! What a ministry he has for us pilgrims. I couldn't believe all the food and drink he offers. And he seems to speak everyone's language! A very awesome Camino experience in the middle of nowhere. Ya gotta love it!
Buen Camino!
Karen

 

[vlebe]

THanks for the update on David @Dennis D !
Im really happy to find out he is still there!
Hopefuly he will be there in december to receive me and my girl for a hot cup of tea and worm heart!

He is a true Legend of the Camino!

 

[Carol06]

I am so pleased to hear he is still there. Casa de los Dioses was a highlight last time. I will be there in a couple of weeks.

 

[t2andreo]

I had the privilege of meeting and speaking at some length with David's partner Suzie this April, the day I endured the worst mud I have ever seen in four Caminos walking from Hospital de Orbigo.

Suzie is a wonderful, charming young woman originally from Australia. I watched as she cheerfully greeted all arriving pilgrims, usually in their own tongue, including a couple of small groups of Korean pilgrims, and in Korean. They were as surprised as me. I was stunned by her graceful presence and cheerfulness. She has an aura about her that is difficult to explain.

According to Suzie, she walked by Casa de los Dioses over a year ago, met David, and the rest is their story together. I think it is wonderful...ah young love...

David's "place" needed her touch. I told her that "I loved what she had done with the place..." It was never much, but is now so much the better for her presence and "touch." The meditation garden, surrounding adobe walls, and the young plants she carefully tends with their very limited water supply that is hand-toted from the neighboring village several kilometers away, is very alluring to pilgrims passing by. It is a place for quiet reflection and a convenient stopping point before reaching Astorga.

Both David and Suzie are truly "Camino Angels." I wish them a long, happy, and joyful life together.

If you are passing by, do stop in, enjoy their hospitality, make a donation to a very worthy cause. David now has a non-profit foundation that the Casa de los Dioses functions under. But all their income still comes from donations.

I asked Suzie about online funding capabilities, but according to Suzie, David avoids anything electronic. So, the drop box is their sole income source.

In that same vein, I also asked Suzie about about a solar electricity or hot water system, as one side of their "roof" faces perfectly south. Suzie explained again that, it is not using solar energy to heat water that was at issue, but converting it to electricity runs afoul of David's personal philosophy regarding all things electronic. I respect that. That is why electricity is never in the plan for the place, and the charter for the non-profit organization that control Casa de los Dioses includes that restriction.

However, according to Suzie, a water catchment system is in the works. THAT they definitely need.

I hope this is helpful.

 

[Aesklepius]

Thank you so much for this insight. I stopped and chatted with David a few days ago...felt such peace and kindness, which is what I hope to carry on my Camino and beyond. Thanks to him and to Suzie for a welcome hot coffee, some yummy cake and a spoonful of peanut butter - all given with love! The warmth and kindness in his eyes stays with me on these cold and wet days of walking...

 

[t2andreo]

Those of us who know David's background and life story know that he overcame some VERY SERIOUS obstacles and detours over the course of his personal life journey to get where he is today. He suffered greatly along the way. His life now is focused on giving back...period.

I admire him for his accomplishments. He deserves all the happiness, joy and success that comes his way.

 

[SYates]

David is truly one of the guardian angels of the Camino. And he would be very quick to point out that he receives more than he gives - also if some of us might disagree ;-) Buen Camino, SY