For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
Sorry... but you did not buy your meal ticket from the Albergue office ie you were a full-paying punter! Hence the difference. We were treated like third class citizens. Indeed others were eating in the separate bar section.I stayed and ate at Casa Sabina last year, the food and accommodation and service was first class. The owner/barman walked me over to the square where my case had been delivered in error and carried it back for me. Clearly things can change at this difficult time, but please don't write it off.
Yes I was "A full paying punter" but I ate the pilgrim menu, the same as everyone else. It was obviously packed out in those days with mainly pilgrims from the albergue, we all had a good time.Sorry... but you did not buy your meal ticket from the Albergue office ie you were a full-paying punter! Hence the difference. We were treated like third class citizens. Indeed others were eating in the separate bar section.
I repeat - the pilgrim meal was one if the worst encountered! A Spanish lady was shocked... but treated no differently.
It has nothing to do with the times. The food and/or pilgrim's menu and/or service at the Casa Sabina is described as excellent and very good by some and as poor and terrible by others, both here on the forum and on Tripadvisor and throughout the years.Clearly things can change at this difficult time, but please don't write it off.
@filly, you are posting interesting stuff that I didn't noticeOh! and about those sea level measurements... encountered again on either side of the Ayuntamiento entrance
The 12 poor/terrible reviews were all before August 2018, to balance things out 10 since August 2018 have been Excellent/Very Good/Average. No I don't own the place or have any financial or other interest in the place. Disappointed however that the standards may have dropped.It has nothing to do with the times. The food and/or pilgrim's menu and/or service at the Casa Sabina is described as excellent and very good by some and as poor and terrible by others, both here on the forum and on Tripadvisor and throughout the years.
Plus, @filly had just finished walking in France. One's palate needs time to adapt.
You read only the entries in EnglishThe 12 poor/terrible reviews were all before August 2018, to balance things out 10 since August 2018 have been Excellent/Very Good/Average
BTW, I stayed at the Hotel Roncesvalles several times. I can recommend their breakfast buffet. Nice tortilla and excellent Spanish lomo and salchichón. I would never walk to Burguete without breakfast in Roncesvalles.'ll leave it there apart from advice to those from the UK not to expect sausages, bacon, egg, mushrooms, fried bread, baked beans and tomatoes at breakfast.
Nothing to do with my palate but what is on the plate. You do not need to buy the Euro 11 pilgrim menu. If you like good food then just go to any of the restaurants and see what is on offet. As I said, Roncesvalles Hotel bar gave a discount on the regular Euro 19 menu which can be eaten at any time during dinner hours in a congenial setting - for Euro 12. We are talking chalk and cheese here... about two different classes. Be smart and pay your way rather than going down the voucher route. Same goes for brekkie...It has nothing to do with the times. The food and/or pilgrim's menu and/or service at the Casa Sabina is described as excellent and very good by some and as poor and terrible by others, both here on the forum and on Tripadvisor and throughout the years.
Plus, @filly had just finished walking in France. One's palate needs time to adapt.
Hello! From Santiago de la Calzada.
Love these.I have here twice already... the joy of being an oldie and in Spain is that it is a land of the unexpected and manifold delights.
I have just spent an hour in the Claustro San Fransico. Anything but ... claustrophobic!
Let me know of another museum in the world with 1) a church 2) lovely fresh flower displays 3) framed jigsaw puzzles 4) a fabulous display of religious ivories through the ages 5) icons 6) a charming display on Santo Domingo 7) a display of German ‘Stein’ beer mugs 7) a display of Toby jugs 8) Netsuke 9) Cantonese ivory ‘balls’ and 30’s ivory/bronze figurines..
Sorry France but what a contrast... and cafés and liveliness to boot.View attachment 84724View attachment 84725View attachment 84726View attachment 84727View attachment 84728View attachment 84729
Yes I was "A full paying punter" but I ate the pilgrim menu, the same as everyone else. It was obviously packed out in those days with mainly pilgrims from the albergue, we all had a good time.
As I said in my earlier post "Clearly things can change at this difficult time, but please don't write it off."
Not looking for an argument just giving my experience of the place although now is a very difficult time for all.
I bought my ticket for the pilgrim meal at Casa Sabina when I checked in the Albergue, so I was not "a full paying punter." The way the host helped to organize everyone into language groups, the service, and the trout were excellent. There was a thread a few months ago comparing the pilgrim meals at Sabina and La Posada. I didn't like La Posada at all, while another person wrote that she loved La Posada's pilgrim meal and hated Sabina's. I agree with Harlan regarding tough times, but I will take an additional step: no single experience is definitive.Nothing to do with my palate but what is on the plate. You do not need to buy the Euro 11 pilgrim menu. If you like good food then just go to any of the restaurants and see what is on offet. As I said, Roncesvalles Hotel bar gave a discount on the regular Euro 19 menu which can be eaten at any time during dinner hours in a congenial setting - for Euro 12. We are talking chalk and cheese here... about two different classes. Be smart and pay your way rather than going down the voucher route. Same goes for brekkie...
I don’t understand why people are doing the Camino in the middle of a pandemic? I hope they purchase travel insurance!I made it to Roncevalles today... pretty windy but not much rain compared to yesterday. Encountered no snow and no other pilgrims. Most took the valley road... encouraged by the lacklustre poseur Basque impersonating men folk at the ‘Pilgrim Office’ at SJPDP... the route Napoleon was demanding, indeed challenging but not impossible. About 35 pilgrims staying at Roncevalles. BE WARNED - just pay for accommodation... recommended 11 euro Hotel Sabina dinner was ghastly and for one euro more you can have a dinner at the adjacent Benevolent Hotel in luxe surroundings and great staff! Ultreia!!
I have just rediscovered this thread after having seen your initial post. All the talk of food led me to cast my eye on the Fuet hanging from a nail on the dresser. Mmm! So nice! How many examples will we need, to be able to say: that was your experience, this was mine...I made it to Roncevalles today... pretty windy but not much rain compared to yesterday. Encountered no snow and no other pilgrims. Most took the valley road... encouraged by the lacklustre poseur Basque impersonating men folk at the ‘Pilgrim Office’ at SJPDP... the route Napoleon was demanding, indeed challenging but not impossible. About 35 pilgrims staying at Roncevalles. BE WARNED - just pay for accommodation... recommended 11 euro Hotel Sabina dinner was ghastly and for one euro more you can have a dinner at the adjacent Benevolent Hotel in luxe surroundings and great staff! Ultreia!!
Good MorningI have just rediscovered this thread after having seen your initial post. All the talk of food led me to cast my eye on the Fuet hanging from a nail on the dresser. Mmm! So nice! How many examples will we need, to be able to say: that was your experience, this was mine...
Where are you today? I hope you keep well and safe.
It is an ‘embutido’ from Cataluña, to the best of my knowledge, and I have watched Spanish women keep one hanging on a nail, not in the fridge. When I saw one somewhere in a supermarket I said: yes! That is for me. It keeps very well.You don,t need to cook it. Just slice thinly.Good MorningKirkie
What is a fuet?
Thanks for the explanation.It is an ‘embutido’ from Cataluña, to the best of my knowledge, and I have watched Spanish women keep one hanging on a nail, not in the fridge. When I saw one somewhere in a supermarket I said: yes! That is for me. It keeps very well.You don,t need to cook it. Just slice thinly.View attachment 84804
Sorry about the multiple entries! I am not technically sophisticated!!Today I am in Burgos! Did a double day from Belorado starting at 7 am. Perfect hiking day. Saw five other pilgrims. Have yet to encounter a single bicigrino...
In the woods the scent of mushrooms was exhilarating. Two sets of pilgrims (one set was Italian) had the sleeping bag stuff sack bulging with mushrooms.Soon afterwards the Guardia Civil passed by in their 4 x 4... I hope there was not an unpleasant outcome. Notices everywhere about prohibition!View attachment 84821View attachment 84822View attachment 84823View attachment 84824View attachment 84826View attachment 84827View attachment 84828View attachment 84829View attachment 84830View attachment 84821View attachment 84822View attachment 84823View attachment 84824View attachment 84826View attachment 84827View attachment 84828View attachment 84829View attachment 84830View attachment 84821View attachment 84822View attachment 84823View attachment 84824View attachment 84826View attachment 84827View attachment 84828View attachment 84829View attachment 84830View attachment 84821View attachment 84822View attachment 84823View attachment 84824View attachment 84826View attachment 84827View attachment 84828View attachment 84829View attachment 84830
May others elucidate, too ☺? I don't think that I noticed these aerial photos before, they must be fairly new. They are part of the EV1 or EuroVelo 1 project.Each village in Castilla y León has an aerial photo posted - so different to a map. @peregrina2000, fount of all knowledge... could you kindly elucidate?
I encountered some animosity as a pilgrim on the way in to Burgos. I had been warned! I noticed people masking up as I approached and taking other paths etc. One man shouted abuse at me.
Yes, staying at The Sabina right now and the service has been friendly & efficient. Room lovely shower too. Food is also spot on for us. Enjoy!
Yes, now that I think if it there was always a wooden post nearby with ‘Portugal 1’ and the bicycle symbol.May others elucidate, too ☺? I don't think that I noticed these aerial photos before, they must be fairly new. They are part of the EV1 or EuroVelo 1 project.
EuroVelo 1 is a European long-distance bike trail. They put up signposts along this bike trail through Spain in recent years and apparently also these aerial photos. EuroVelo 1 coincides with the Camino Frances for a while in Castilla y Leon and turns south just before Fromista. Start/end points are in Norway and Portugal.
View attachment 84832
I continue to enjoy your reports; share your attitude to Atapuerca and opinion of the MEH in Burgos; still regret that I didn't make it to the Cartuja de Miraflores. Museums are free because it is October 12th today. Día de la Hispanidad.Once again Spain delights
So jealous of you. Reminds me of my Burges to Leon walk in 2019.Today I am in Burgos! Did a double day from Belorado starting at 7 am. Perfect hiking day. Saw five other pilgrims. Have yet to encounter a single bicigrino...
In the woods the scent of mushrooms was exhilarating. Two sets of pilgrims (one set was Italian) had the sleeping bag stuff sack bulging with mushrooms.Soon afterwards the Guardia Civil passed by in their 4 x 4... I hope there was not an unpleasant outcome. Notices everywhere about prohibition!View attachment 84821View attachment 84822View attachment 84823View attachment 84824View attachment 84826View attachment 84827View attachment 84828View attachment 84829View attachment 84830View attachment 84821View attachment 84822View attachment 84823View attachment 84824View attachment 84826View attachment 84827View attachment 84828View attachment 84829View attachment 84830View attachment 84821View attachment 84822View attachment 84823View attachment 84824View attachment 84826View attachment 84827View attachment 84828View attachment 84829View attachment 84830View attachment 84821View attachment 84822View attachment 84823View attachment 84824View attachment 84826View attachment 84827View attachment 84828View attachment 84829View attachment 84830
I don’t understand why people are doing the Camino in the middle of a pandemic? I hope they purchase travel insurance!
Still pondering on the comment about ‘doing the Camino during a pandemic’ and will forward my feelings in due course. A very valid opinion.
You get a small discount as a pilgrim but it’s free if you are over 65.STOP PRESS
For those who like me sauntered through Atapuerca, showing little interest in palaeontology, do visit the MEH Museum of Evolution in Burgos. Free for some reason (and ticket get you free entry to Museo de Burgos (closed Monday).
Straight from the horse's mouth, from the Boletín Oficial de Castilla y León, Núm. 208:Stop Press. Word is that Leon is due out of ‘lockdown’ on 20 October. Any information from Spanish savvy news aficionados most welcome.
I noticed only now that it also says this in the Official Bulletin of Castilly y León: Quedan exceptuadas de las restricciones los desplazamientos entre los términos municipales de León y San Andrés del Rabanedo.Straight from the horse's mouth, from the Boletín Oficial de Castilla y León, Núm. 208
... and I took this photo in honour of that stalwart vigilante peregrina2000 who was such a help when I hiked the Camino de Levante some years ago!
Is that the hotel Gaudi?Hot water for showers but freezing welcome. East European hospitaleros as cold as cucumbers... One larger lady stormed in, in her forbidden hiking boots, at 07.40 to announce we had 20 minutes to scarper!
Decided to stay in luxe hotel in Astorga. Worth every Euro to avoid snoring, farting, smartphoning, noisy pilgrims!! One can only take so much or am I revealing my age and that I am a retired and solvent pilgrim.
I asked two others if they wanted to add laundry to my perfunctory ‘service wash’. Not a dicky bird of gratitude...
Off to visit sparkling Bishop’s Palace and Cathedral. Booked a room with bathroom for the next few nights... zero atmosphere in albergues since the kitchens are closed. Paid Euro 1 for a cup of tepid water from a dispenser yesterday. Luxe is a comparative bargain compared to basic accommodation.
View attachment 85390View attachment 85391View attachment 85392View attachment 85393View attachment 85393
Filly I enjoy your postings.However I think your remarks about Guacelmo in RabanalIf anyone has a hotline to the CSJ (Confraternity of Saint James) please could they kindly pass on my gripe/s....
During WW2, the Windmill Theatre off Piccadilly claimed ‘We never closed’! CSJ has the distinction that their Rabanal Albergue in 2020 ‘Never Opened’. (Same for the Miraz Albetgue, I believe).
1. I put their flimsy sign up properly (and it needs permanent fixing)
2. Why does their website not state that the albergue/s is/are closed
3. Could they not put a list on the door of albergues that ARE open
I have it on good authority that pilgrim numbers staying in Rabanal were down last year. Mainly due to guidebooks recommending Foncebadón as the stage before Ponferrada.
I am staying at El Tragu de Foncebadón, solo room booked via booking.com (other providers are available). Heaven - clean, large single bed, HEATING, shower room, well insulated etc. Lovely outlook and great welcome. Worth every euro on what promises to be a stormy night.
Staying two nights in Ponferrada as I an too far ahead. I want to get to know the place... and visit the Energy and Radio Museums.
Saw one chappy selling crooks/walking sticks (rather late in the day it seems to me). Rabanal very quiet. A few cafés open 10 kms on from Astorga.
Only when leaving Astorga and admiring the western facade of the cathedral did I spot that there is a ‘camera obscura’ notified in a religious association building opposite... next time!
On the accommodation front, I would recommend that small groups consider renting a flat/house. Now possible for one night at very reasonable cost - it would allow communal catering. A chance to eat the rarely seen legumbres.
Less than 240 odd kms (the numbers vary!) it feels very much like the beginning of the end. Monchila baggage service in evidence says it all.View attachment 85463View attachment 85464View attachment 85465View attachment 85466View attachment 85467View attachment 85468
Seems pretty clear to me: https://www.csj.org.uk/refugio-gaucelmoSome of us oldies are not on Facebook - however hard that may be to believe!
I note your point though!
However, do check the csj.org.uk site. I could see no reference to any closure there. That seems to me like an obvious starting point to me...
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?