Knocking on doors to find a place to stay

[Luka]

I am just curious what your opinion is on this. Would you knock on doors on quiet Caminos to ask for a place to stay?

I saw this advice being given to a pilgrim who will start her Camino in the Netherlands and walk through Belgium and France. The person who gave this advice says she has done this herself. She used to rang the doorbell at houses in villages where there was no albergue or other pilgrims facility to ask for a place to stay. She said that it was a win-win, because people generally like to help out and she had interesting encounters with locals this way.

I have walked from Amsterdam to Santiago as well, but this would never have occurred to me. I sometimes went to the local townhall or police station to ask about options to stay, but I never rang at doorbells (apart from maybe once to ask for water). It was my free choice to walk there and if there was no pilgrims lodging I would book a chambre d'hôtes or hotel.

And also, if your house was on a less traveled Camino route, would you let pilgrims who ring your doorbell stay with you?

 

[thejoker]

There's no way I'd knock on someone's door that isn't a pension or similar. I'd sooner sleep in a bus shelter, though not that that would happen either as I always book in advance.

 

[Tincatinker]

I’ve never knocked on doors except once or twice for water. But Bars, Tiendas, Casinos, GC stations, Gasolinos and even that gaggle of ladies sat on the shady side of the square have all led to good fortune in the past. George Borrow and others from the past have recommended “bothering the Parson”, the idea being that there would be a “suitable Widow” in the village in need of a shilling or two. I’m not sure there’s much fruit on that tree anymore.

 

[J Willhaus]

I would be more likely to ask at a bar first. Probably would not knock on doors, but might ask if I saw people outside if they knew someone or someplace.

 

[Luka]

So it isn't just me who finds this a little awkward? I can imagine 20 years ago it could have been slightly different, but nowadays even routes through Belgium and northern France are not that less-travelled anymore. If every pilgrim passing by would do this, people in those villages would have to put 'completo' signs on their doors...

 

[Anniesantiago]

I would never do this, myself.

 

[trecile]

So it isn't just me who finds this a little awkward?

I find it beyond awkward!

 

[Bradypus]

George Borrow and others from the past have recommended “bothering the Parson”,

When I walked my first Camino that was still the norm in many towns and villages. The priest was often the contact for the refugio. In Cacabelos I got no reply at the door of the presbytery. A local lady came over to explain that the priest was away until tomorrow. She turned to a second lady for advice. Then a third. And a fourth. After some brainstorming lady A led me to a new shiny sports centre where the manager gave me the referees changing room with shower and toilet, a high jump mat to sleep on, keys to lock up for the night and advice on places to eat. All very generous and much appreciated!

 

[Kirkie]

Luka, you are correct in saying that x number of years ago it may have been more possible. A young friend, now watching from her heavenly perch, set off from Zaragoza and cycled to Santiago. Along the way she offered to help in some way, asking for little beyond a place to sleep, in barns, wherever.
She was a brave and lovely soul.
Perhaps a few are still around... but it is indeed less likely nowadays.

 

[Kathar1na]

Would you knock on doors on quiet Caminos to ask for a place to stay?
And also, if your house was on a less traveled Camino route, would you let pilgrims who ring your doorbell stay with you?

I'll try to make it short: not in a million years. No, no, no.

No, I would not knock and impose myself on people and exploit their goodwill in this manner.
No, I would not invite pilgrims who ring my doorbell to stay with me. I'd try to advise them where they could stay and if I am in a particularly generous mood I might drive them to the next Ibis hotel and perhaps pay for a night.
No, I would not give such advice to new pilgrims. And I happen to know the trail from Amsterdam to Santiago and where one can stay.

How long is it that peregrin@s have walked the Camino from the Benelux countries to Santiago? Since about the 1980s, i.e. for about 40 years now? This is the first time that I hear of such advice and I've read quite a few contemporary reports.

That one kann find people who offer a room, in the way already described, by asking in a bar or at the town hall or through a chance encounter, or that there are people who routinely offer a stay for foot pilgrims and bike pilgrims and are listed in the usual information sources for long-distance Camino pilgrims is a different matter.

 

[Kathar1na]

PS: It does not sound genuine to me, it sounds too much like social experiment, romanticising the past, trying to engineer a great incredible experience and so on. I may well be wrong but this is my gut reaction.

 

[peregrino_tom]

Isn't this how Casa Fernanda came into being?

 

[peregrina2000]

Other forum members have described instances where local residents have approached them and offered lodging. I particularly remember a description of a father-son combo on the Sanabrés somewhere, but my memory won’t go further than that.

I think it’s pretty unanimous here on the forum that we would never consider knocking on someone’s door. I think it’s a different equation if someone approaches you and asks you if you need a place to stay. For me, except in the most extreme circumstances, I would be very reluctant to do this. I know it would likely be safe, but as a woman walking alone, I wouldn’t take a chance.

 

[K_Lynn]

I would have to have one of my legs broken before I knocked on someone's door.

Would I stop someone on the street to ask where I could find accommodation? Yes. But I wouldn't knock on a random door to ask if I could sleep there, and presumably be fed.

 

[Bradypus]

Would I stop someone on the street to ask where I could find accommodation? Yes. But I wouldn't knock on a random door to ask if I could sleep there, and presumably be fed.

Me too. I always carry a lightweight bivvy bag on my long-distance walks. So that I can sleep with some comfort outdoors if necessary. So far I have never failed to find a place to sleep but I have occasionally spent a night outdoors when the weather was good to break up an otherwise uncomfortably long stage. Particularly on the VdlP and the Mozarabe. I would far rather do that than impose on the goodwill of local residents.

 

[TravellingMan22]

Me too. I always carry a lightweight bivvy bag on my long-distance walks. So that I can sleep with some comfort outdoors if necessary. So far I have never failed to find a place to sleep but I have occasionally spent a night outdoors when the weather was good to break up an otherwise uncomfortably long stage. Particularly on the VdlP and the Mozarabe. I would far rather do that than impose on the goodwill of local residents.

For me it would depend how you ask. If I was desparate and I saw a group of older people chatting I might go up and say ‘anyone want to earn an easy €20’ with a smile. Can’t imagine cold calling at a door. Maybe if someone was in their garden… sort of last minute ‘couchsurfing’ without the tech aspect!

 

[SabsP]

Other forum members have described instances where local residents have approached them and offered lodging. I particularly rememnber a description of a father-son combo on the Sanabrés somewhere, but my memory won’t go further than that.

I think it’s pretty unanimous here on the forum that we would never consider knocking on someone’s door. I think it’s a different equation if someone approaches you and asks you if you need a place to stay. For me, except in the most extreme circumstances, I would be very reluctant to do this. I know it would likely be safe, but as a woman walking alone, I wouldn’t take a chance.

Some years ago I approached a solo German female pilgrim here on the local " Roman Road ". She was walking the GR from German Aachen to French Amiens where her son was studying.
She walked to the next bigger town.There is a youthostel but way out of the city centre so I asked her if she wanted to stay in my spare room.
I made some extra dinner and we had a nice chat ( we share the same first name and the same profession ) . She was also happy to be able to use a decent shower. Day before, in Tongeren, she stayed in the local parishhouse where there was no hot water.
Again, interesting encounter and conversation.Until then I never had met someone from former Eastern Germany so it was quite a revelation to hear about her youth and education.

But sorry to the honest men : I would never ask a solo male pilgrim to stay.

 

[good_old_shoes]

I have knocked on doors to ask for water and for directions when lost. Always offered money for water but nobody ever took it. People usually were very nice. I don't think that would still be the case if pilgrims would routinely invite themselves overnight . That would be quite rude, and certainly annoying for the locals.

Once I *did* ask for a spot in the barn at a farm, because of a bad storm that had surprised me, and I couldn't make it to the next campsite. No public transport, no taxi, no hotel ect. closeby, not even a bar or shop. I panicked because of the storm. Wouldn't have dared to ask normally, but I was desperate, having a full blown panic attack, and there was a safe haven in form of a barn only a few hundred meters away, and the farmer right in front of it. I only asked to wait in the barn for an hour or so until the storm hopefully got less intense. But the farmer and his wife invited me to stay, not in the barn but in their guest room. True hospitality. The storm continued all night, and I was so thankful for not having to be out there in the tent, potentially wild camping. I was embarrassed, too, though!

I think something like that should definitely be for emergencies only, and certainly not a normal approach.

But I have to say, quite often I had people ask me if I already had a place to sleep for the night, and offer a spot in the garden for my tent or even a room. That way around I think it is a good option.

What also works is to ask locals you meet in the street or in the shops/ bar / Tourist office whether they know someone who might rent a room for one night for a pilgrim, or if they know a spot in the village where you can put your tent for the night (next to church, picnic area...) or someone who might allow you to put up the tent in their garden or on their land for a small fee.

They're usually happy to help with that, and often enough there's someone who knows someone, and voila, accommodation problem solved.

I wouldn't count on that to always work, though. For me that's like "plan y", after "plans a-x" failed for some reason, which is a rare occurance!

 

[BarbC]

NEVER - unless I was dying from a gunshot or something. Could be dangerous - for either party. As much as we may not want to think so - the world is a dangerous place if you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time - and meet the WRONG person.

 

[TravellingMan22]

NEVER - unless I was dying from a gunshot or something. Could be dangerous - for either party. As much as we may not want to think so - the world is a dangerous place if you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time - and meet the WRONG person.

I 100% agree that females should never ask males and as a male wouldn’t never ask a female on her own. That would be daft! But I do think this is a bit of a leap! If you avoid risking the sexual harassment aspect (as above) which is far far too common, the chances of meeting a gun toting maniac are infinitessly small! 99.9% of people are good people! Probably more chance of meeting a maniac in a dorm given its transient nature than the risk of old lady who had lived at the house at no 25 for 50 years turning up with an AK47!

 

[Kathar1na]

We don’t have to go into all kinds of freakish scenarios. Somebody rings at your door (afaik, in the Benelux countries and France people usually ring, even in villages, and don’t knock), with a backpack on the back, says I am on the camino to Santiago, you know what that means, don’t you, can I say the night?

 

[SabsP]

I 100% agree that females should never ask males and as a male wouldn’t never ask a female on her own. That would be daft! But I do think this is a bit of a leap! If you avoid risking the sexual harassment aspect (as above) which is far far too common, the chances of meeting a gun toting maniac are infinitessly small! 99.9% of people are good people! Probably more chance of meeting a maniac in a dorm given its transient nature than the risk of old lady who had lived at the house at no 25 for 50 years turning up with an AK47!

Yep! In this rural village you have more chance getting overrun by a speedelec or hit by a lost drone ( professional base in the next town) than finding someone with a gun. Plus we have enough local " Miss Marples " to do some good old fashioned spying...

 

[Luka]

PS: It does not sound genuine to me, it sounds too much like social experiment, romanticising the past, trying to engineer a great incredible experience and so on. I may well be wrong but this is my gut reaction.

Yup, I got a similar gut feeling. It feels indeed like imposing yourself on people and taking advantange of the kindness of people. And indeed some kind of romantic idea that being a pilgrim entitles you to a free bed, shower and meal. She literally wrote this:

'What I used to do in Belgium and France is ringing at people's doors and telling them that I am on my way to Santiago. They almost always offered me to stay with them. Such beautiful contacts.'

When I responded having troubles with this, she replied.

'It wasn't hard at all. In my experience people are always very helpful. If they didn't want to host me, they knew somebody else and made a few phone calls. I never got the impression that people were reluctant to say no. It was a win-win situation. I was happy with a place to sleep and they were happy to help someone.'

Writing this down, makes me feel ashamed being Dutch...

 

[wisepilgrim]

I would not knock on a random door, but I would not be afraid to ask a bartender whose door to knock on.

But more likely I would find a dry place to hunker down and make myself look approachable as I could.

 

[good_old_shoes]

NEVER - unless I was dying from a gunshot or something. Could be dangerous - for either party. As much as we may not want to think so - the world is a dangerous place if you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time - and meet the WRONG person.

You could also meet the wrong person while walking, on the bus or train, in a park while jogging ect.ect. A lot of violent crime happens within families/couples at home.

When I was invited into the farmer's home, my family's first reaction when I told them on the phone was "Can you barricade the door to your room?" because the only scenario they could imagine for someone to invite me in was something horrible. But those people were truly lovely and kind, honest people. They didn't deserve to be seen as potential criminals when all they did was help. It turned out to be the mayor of the nearby village, by the way, and I wasn't the first pilgrim they had helped.

Rural western Europe is a very safe place. Bad things do happen anywhere in the world, but chances of someone being genuine and simply showing good hospitality to a pilgrim in the Camino are much higher than becoming the victim of a violent crime.

One big lesson I learned on my walks: That there are countless good people out there, and not to see everyone mainly as a potential threat.

That doesn't mean to throw caution and common sense overboard, or to ignore your gut feeling. But it definitely changed my general view on humanity (for the better).

Just a thought.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I would only knock on a random door if I had a true emergency; most likely from a debilitating injury where I could not continue on....not to ask for lodging, but for help of some kind. Possibly they could call for an ambulance or taxi to come for me as I do not speak Spanish.

 

[Kathar1na]

She literally wrote this:

'What I used to do in Belgium and France is ringing at people's doors and telling them that I am on my way to Santiago. They almost always offered me to stay with them. Such beautiful contacts.'​

When I responded having troubles with this, she replied.

'It wasn't hard at all. In my experience people are always very helpful. If they didn't want to host me, they knew somebody else and made a few phone calls. I never got the impression that people were reluctant to say no. It was a win-win situation. I was happy with a place to sleep and they were happy to help someone.'​

Well, we have to take her word for it. It is not advice that I would give to a new pilgrim starting from the Netherlands. I'd advise to contact the Sint-Jacob associations in the Netherlands and in Belgium to get their lists of accommodation, and consult the online websites of the regional Saint-Jacques associations in France to do the same, make use of youth hostels, gîtes, stay in chez l'habitant rooms, B&Bs. Numerous people have of course camped all the way to the Pyrenees, i.e for 2 months.

Many of us have stories of our own, or know stories from friends, of happy circumstances where you got offered without having asked, a bed for the night in a private household that does not regularly cater for walkers who pass by. But on a regular basis and it wasn't hard at all?

Oh, I just remembered: Asking at a bar in rural France on the way from the Belgium border to the Pyrenees isn't as easy as one might think. First of all you have to find a bar that is open ...

 

[Luka]

Oh, I just remembered: Asking at a bar in rural France on the way from the Belgium border to the Pyrenees isn't as easy as one might think. First of all you have to find a bar that is open ...

True. In lots of villages there is absolutely nothing. No bar, no bakery... That is why you'll have to prepare when you want to walk through Belgium and (northern) France. Know your options beforehand. I sometimes carried food for 2 days.

 

[Kathar1na]

In lots of villages there is absolutely nothing. No bar, no bakery...

"Il n'y a aucun commerce" - there is nothing here. So says the guidebook. So say the locals.

 

[JabbaPapa]

I am just curious what your opinion is on this. Would you knock on doors on quiet Caminos to ask for a place to stay?

I have never done it personally, though I can understand that those who are young, personable, in need, and just good people generally can do this. Asking someone in a village is not knocking on their door.

And before my first Camino, on hitch-hiking trips I did occasionally do similar, though not knocking on doors.

As a pilgrim, to rely on a sleeping bag and so on would be better -- though to seek assistance in some particularly adverse conditions is equally good.

I'd say though, rather than knocking on doors -- wherever possible, ask at the bar or the "social club". Or in a restaurant in the midst of your meal. And so on.

 

[JabbaPapa]

PS: It does not sound genuine to me

I have come across such things on these Ways of Saint James and Saint Peter from time to time.

But there's one pretty basic rule in the midst of it -- if you don't need, don't ask.

 

[JabbaPapa]

Other forum members have described instances where local residents have approached them and offered lodging.

That happened on the very first afternoon/evening of my very first Camino -- and there were four of us, clueless and with no idea whatsoever about how this pilgrimage thing even worked in the first place. None of us with very much in the way of cash either.

It's happened from time to time walking alone or with others on nearly every Camino since.

 

[JabbaPapa]

Once I *did* ask for a spot in the barn at a farm, because of a bad storm that had surprised me, and I couldn't make it to the next campsite. No public transport, no taxi, no hotel ect. closeby, not even a bar or shop. I panicked because of the storm. Wouldn't have dared to ask normally, but I was desperate, having a full blown panic attack, and there was a safe haven in form of a barn only a few hundred meters away, and the farmer right in front of it. I only asked to wait in the barn for an hour or so until the storm hopefully got less intense. But the farmer and his wife invited me to stay, not in the barn but in their guest room. True hospitality. The storm continued all night, and I was so thankful for not having to be out there in the tent, potentially wild camping. I was embarrassed, too, though!

Last time I asked to stay in the barn was this January, on my Way between SJPP and Lourdes and after a quite miserable wet & muddy day of boots sinking into the sod, and I got the barn -- was the boiler room in there at least, which helped with the cold, and it did have a light bulb, which was good for my book. Also a chair !!

Lady of the house did kindly provide a bowl of soup and a bit of bread, and I had some remains of some beer and IIRC a tiny portion of charcuterie.

There was a sink with running water in the adjoining garage in the morning.

That's excellent enough !!

 

[Luka]

I have come across such things on these Ways of Saint James and Saint Peter from time to time.

But there's one pretty basic rule in the midst of it -- if you don't need, don't ask.

Exactly. IMHO knocking on doors should be saved for emergencies.

 

[trecile]

Exactly. IMHO knocking on doors should be saved for emergencies.

Exactly, it shouldn't be your Plan A.

 

[jungleboy]

Isn't this how Casa Fernanda came into being?

Yes, as I've heard it told. Also Quinta da Burra (before Santarém on the CP, no longer operational).

 

[J Willhaus]

Not exactly the same, but last summer we had a Belgian pilgrim arrive at the albergue with a Spanish couple by car. He had intended to stay in the village down the hill a few km away. It was getting late and the hotels were all full and he was thinking about camping. Of course he was on a Camino and had the "pilgrim look" so a Spanish couple scooped him up and brought him to the albergue at Arres. He could not speak Spanish and they didn't speak any of his 7 languages. He arrived right at supper time so we squeezed him into the table. He didn't ask for help, but the Spanish people on this stretch knew he was a pilgrim and knew what he needed...

In another instance a few years ago we had a Canadian pilgrim who was walking in the cold December rain, he had slipped and fallen in the mud and was lying near the edge of the road wrapped in his poncho wondering what to do. Two Spanish men pulled over. One rolled down the window and shouted "Peregrino?" He popped open the hatchback and the pilgrim climbed in muddy and bruised and they drove him to the nearby albergue.

I have always felt that the people who live on the Spanish Caminos where we have served know what pilgrims need and will often offer to help. I don't think it is even necessary to knock on the door...

 

[David Tallan]

I would never ask for a place to stay from someone who wasn't in the hospitality business providing one (running a hotel, hostal, pension, etc.). But I might ask where the nearest place I might find a bed or place to sleep was. And if the person said their place, great. Generally, I would ask in a bar or the like, rather than knocking on people's doors. But I can imagine the situation in a place with no bars or shops or anything. I've walked through villages like that. It hasn't come to that yet. But I haven't been walking routes with such a lack of infrastructure.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

My husband and I live in a very small village on the Camino Frances. We do not have an albergue, but people knock on our door with some frequency. If they aren't drunk or covered in blood, we usually let them come in. Sometimes they stay.
Usually they find us because a neighbor showed them the way over. If we don't feel like having guests for some reason, we'll give them money to get a bed at one of the albergues. If the albergues are closed, we'll give them a ride into Sahagun, or call a cab for them if they have money.
So far, after 17 years, nothing horrible has happened to us.
This is radical hospitality. It's how the Camino has worked for a thousand years. Pilgrims sometimes have to roll the dice and take a chance. And sometimes the homeowner does, too. More often than not it's a win/win.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

My husband and I live in a very small village on the Camino Frances. We do not have an albergue, but people knock on our door with some frequency.

I think people know about you, your home and hospitality because you have had a big presence on this forum over the years and word got out of your generosity. I myself sought to meet you when I walked through Moratinos; only to stop in to say "hi". I was disappointed when your husband answered the door with his dogs and said you were in Madrid. At the time I thought you did have a donativo albergue, but it must have been a misconception. I have read your book "A Furnace full if God", which seemed to indicate many pilgrims have stayed overnight for a meal and lodging.

 

[oursonpolaire]

I have done rather too many Caminos (should such a thing be possible) and have on occasion been faced with a lack of accommodation-- more often in France than in Spain. I never would have thought of knocking on random doors. My first option has been to ask the server in the restaurant where I was getting some sort of meal and that has (90%) been the solution. One of the staff knows someone or has their number and will call and make the arrangements. Barkeeps are the next best bet. On two occasions, the constabulary (the Guardia Civil in Catalonia, who found me a room in a finca dedicated to weddings; in France, the Police National, where the gendarme knew of a farmhouse gîte where, although the season was over, I was found a place at the table (jambon! marc de campagne!) and a comfortable and warm bedroom.

I can see asking around from people in the pueblo or folks gardening, but except in a bleeding injury, I would not think of presenting houseowners with a medium-big bearded foreigner at their door. The Camino provides is one thing, but foreign pilgrim imposes is quite another. The generosity of our hosts is perhaps the most magical thing about the Camino.

 

[Luka]

My husband and I live in a very small village on the Camino Frances. We do not have an albergue, but people knock on our door with some frequency. If they aren't drunk or covered in blood, we usually let them come in. Sometimes they stay.
Usually they find us because a neighbor showed them the way over. If we don't feel like having guests for some reason, we'll give them money to get a bed at one of the albergues. If the albergues are closed, we'll give them a ride into Sahagun, or call a cab for them if they have money.
So far, after 17 years, nothing horrible has happened to us.
This is radical hospitality. It's how the Camino has worked for a thousand years. Pilgrims sometimes have to roll the dice and take a chance. And sometimes the homeowner does, too. More often than not it's a win/win.

That's wonderful what you are doing and the radical Camino hospitality is something to cherish. I have had wonderful encounters as well with people offering me help, a ride or just a cup of tea on a cold and rainy day.

Actually this is exactly why I disapprove of what my fellow Dutch pilgrim has been doing. IMO she is taking advantage of that Camino courtesy. She takes it for granted that people will solve her problem and let her stay. She even believes she is doing them a favour, because she enables them to help other people.

 

[peregrino_tom]

Isn't this how Casa Fernanda came into being?

Yes, as I've heard it told. Also Quinta da Burra (before Santarém on the CP, no longer operational).

A peregrina knocked on Fernanda and Jacinto's door one night looking for help/shelter as she had nowhere to stay. At the time F&J were only vaguely aware of the camino that ran outside their house.
The rest as they say is History. Many many pilgrims (myself included) are thankful that she knocked.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I knocked on Fernanda's door in 2019 to deliver some well wishes from a Camino friend of mine that he requested of me to pass on to her. She smiled and was so welcoming; inviting my son and me inside her home for a snack and cup of tea. Unfortunately I was not feeling well that day, so declined her offer and continued on.

 

[alexwalker]

Many many pilgrims (myself included) are thankful that she knocked.

Indeed. A wonderful place.

 

[Harland2019]

I would be happy in my own Country, as I have in the past, to ask in shops and people walking their dogs (making an assumption that they were local) if they knew where I could find a bed for the night but my first thought was that I wouldn't be ringing a doorbell but, on further reflection if desperate, I would but I am male and 76!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

on further reflection if desperate, I would

For me, the key word is "desperate" and I would have to be in order to consider ringing a doorbell. OTOH, if a person is bold enough to ask for a bed, whatever the reason, the homeowner can always "just say NO".

 

[Luka]

For me, the key word is "desperate" and I would have to be in order to consider ringing a doorbell. OTOH, if a person is bold enough to ask for a bed, whatever the reason, the homeowner can always "just say NO".

To be honest, I don't think it would be that easy to say no. For feelings of guilt and maybe also religious reasons. I think people would feel obliged to do at least something, especially if a middle aged female pilgrim on her own knocks on your door.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I think people know about you, your home and hospitality because you have had a big presence on this forum over the years and word got out of your generosity. I myself sought to meet you when I walked through Moratinos; only to stop in to say "hi". I was disappointed when your husband answered the door with his dogs and said you were in Madrid. At the time I thought you did have a donativo albergue, but it must have been a misconception. I have read your book "A Furnace full if God", which seemed to indicate many pilgrims have stayed overnight for a meal and lodging.

Sorry you were disappointed. Our house has never been a donativo albergue, it's just a house that plays backup for the local albergues. The confusion arises, I think, from the role I play as hospitality chair of Fraternidad Internacional del Camino de Santiago (FICS) -- I oversee non-profit municipal albergues on three Spanish caminos. Paddy and I are getting older, and we don't host many pilgrims at our house these days outside the winter season. I only occasionally serve as an albergue hospitalera, but after 20 years I can throw down a hospitality-related opinion with the best of them!

 

[Marbe2]

Some years ago I approached a solo German female pilgrim here on the local " Roman Road ". She was walking the GR from German Aachen to French Amiens where her son was studying.
She walked to the next bigger town.There is a youthostel but way out of the city centre so I asked her if she wanted to stay in my spare room.
I made some extra dinner and we had a nice chat ( we share the same first name and the same profession ) . She was also happy to be able to use a decent shower. Day before, in Tongeren, she stayed in the local parishhouse where there was no hot water.
Again, interesting encounter and conversation.Until then I never had met someone from former Eastern Germany so it was quite a revelation to hear about her youth and education.

But sorry to the honest men : I would never ask a solo male pilgrim to stay.

I can see this happening, The circumstances are different, however. You met her outside and had a conversation, She was not soliciting from you. You,on the other hand, were able to make a judgement that, based on conversation and impressions, she would likely not cause you any harm. I’m glad it worked out for you both!

if I couldn’t find a place to stay, I would call a taxi, even if Ihad to travel 50km. Not worth the risk IMO.

 

[Marbe2]

For me it would depend how you ask. If I was desparate and I saw a group of older people chatting I might go up and say ‘anyone want to earn an easy €20’ with a smile.

I could never do this! I would personally be turned off, if someone came up to me outside and asked if I wanted to”earn an “easy” €20” by putting him up (and de facto likely expecting food). If I couldn’t get a taxi, and was in a crisis, like a bad snow storm, I might seek out someone for assistance, but I wouldn’t start by offering them money. And in my opinion, taking in a stranger, overnight is not so “easy”.

 

[LTfit]

Asking at a bar, the policía local or a villager in the street about a potential place to stay is one thing but knocking at a random door with the expectation of receiving lodging is a whole different story. I would only do it in the case of an actual emergency.

The Dutch are know to be brutaal (cheeky) and direct but after 30 years living in The Netherlands I still wouldn't do what that woman did .

Knocking on a door to say hello to someone you have never met except via the Forum I have done. On July 13, 2010 I knocked on Reb's and Paddy's door when passing through Moratinos. They were away celebrating their wedding anniversary so Kim (now of the Stone Boat in Rabanal) offered me a cold glass of water and some grapes. I always remember the exact date as it is also my birthday. Since then I have several times been a grateful recipient of their hospitality.

 

[TravellingMan22]

I could never do this! I would personally be turned off, if someone came up to me outside and asked if I wanted to”earn an “easy” €20” by putting him up (and de facto likely expecting food). If I couldn’t get a taxi, and was in a crisis, like a bad snow storm, I might seek out someone for assistance, but I wouldn’t start by offering them money. And in my opinion, taking in a stranger, overnight is not so “easy”.

Sure. It would be a light hearted approach, very general and open with no expectation. I am rubbish at most things but quite good with the cheeky request. I certainly wouldn’t expect any food or any fuss. Probably wouldn’t pay off but would be happy to chance my arm! All about manner and tone. Not suggesting it would be easy, just an opening gambit! And it’s a general thing nothing to do with being on a hike to SDC.

 

[shefollowsshells]

There's no way I'd knock on someone's door that isn't a pension or similar. I'd sooner sleep in a bus shelter, though not that that would happen either as I always book in advance.

I just slept in a bus shelter on the RV, it was perfect! And with five kids in tow from le puy to Santiago I slept in worse places than that.
I would never knock on a door to ask for a place to sleep either, I am a “ trail angel” in the US and help hikers with food, accommodation , grocery runs. But I signed up for that, and typically have notice of some sort… and can always decline…

 

[chrisje]

I am just curious what your opinion is on this. Would you knock on doors on quiet Caminos to ask for a place to stay?

I saw this advice being given to a pilgrim who will start her Camino in the Netherlands and walk through Belgium and France. The person who gave this advice says she has done this herself. She used to rang the doorbell at houses in villages where there was no albergue or other pilgrims facility to ask for a place to stay. She said that it was a win-win, because people generally like to help out and she had interesting encounters with locals this way.

I have walked from Amsterdam to Santiago as well, but this would never have occurred to me. I sometimes went to the local townhall or police station to ask about options to stay, but I never rang at doorbells (apart from maybe once to ask for water). It was my free choice to walk there and if there was no pilgrims lodging I would book a chambre d'hôtes or hotel.

And also, if your house was on a less traveled Camino route, would you let pilgrims who ring your doorbell stay with you?

I am just curious what your opinion is on this. Would you knock on doors on quiet Caminos to ask for a place to stay?

I saw this advice being given to a pilgrim who will start her Camino in the Netherlands and walk through Belgium and France. The person who gave this advice says she has done this herself. She used to rang the doorbell at houses in villages where there was no albergue or other pilgrims facility to ask for a place to stay. She said that it was a win-win, because people generally like to help out and she had interesting encounters with locals this way.

I have walked from Amsterdam to Santiago as well, but this would never have occurred to me. I sometimes went to the local townhall or police station to ask about options to stay, but I never rang at doorbells (apart from maybe once to ask for water). It was my free choice to walk there and if there was no pilgrims lodging I would book a chambre d'hôtes or hotel.

And also, if your house was on a less traveled Camino route, would you let pilgrims who ring your doorbell stay with you?

No, I will never do this except for asking water. (We only walk in Spain) First at all you could ask advice at the ayuntamiento or the local police. They will certainly help you.

 

[RRat]

I am just curious what your opinion is on this. Would you knock on doors on quiet Caminos to ask for a place to stay?

I saw this advice being given to a pilgrim who will start her Camino in the Netherlands and walk through Belgium and France. The person who gave this advice says she has done this herself. She used to rang the doorbell at houses in villages where there was no albergue or other pilgrims facility to ask for a place to stay. She said that it was a win-win, because people generally like to help out and she had interesting encounters with locals this way.

I have walked from Amsterdam to Santiago as well, but this would never have occurred to me. I sometimes went to the local townhall or police station to ask about options to stay, but I never rang at doorbells (apart from maybe once to ask for water). It was my free choice to walk there and if there was no pilgrims lodging I would book a chambre d'hôtes or hotel.

And also, if your house was on a less traveled Camino route, would you let pilgrims who ring your doorbell stay with you?

Never! The problem with the question is it infers that residents along the Camino are expected to be receptive to walkers requests. Which could result in the opposite. When a true emergency arises pilgrims could encounter unanswered doors and ignored request because of too many inconsiderate interruptions in their daily life.

 

[RibbonRomanceAuthor]

I would never do this, myself.

Me neither unless I lost a good portion of the common sense I bring along with me.

 

[pelerine]

I know someone who did this some ten years ago walking from home in Brittanny - to make her camino more afordable. Never had any problem, she said. We have lost contact somehow.

When I walked my tour of Brittanny twenty years ago I was carrying a tent just in case, so I could ask somebody whether I could set it up in their field or garden. And then I never had the courage to ask and walked on until I found a hotel or a bar with rooms. The Tro Breizh was only beginning to be reestablished…

 

[WayWalker]

I am just curious what your opinion is on this. Would you knock on doors on quiet Caminos to ask for a place to stay?

I saw this advice being given to a pilgrim who will start her Camino in the Netherlands and walk through Belgium and France. The person who gave this advice says she has done this herself. She used to rang the doorbell at houses in villages where there was no albergue or other pilgrims facility to ask for a place to stay. She said that it was a win-win, because people generally like to help out and she had interesting encounters with locals this way.

I have walked from Amsterdam to Santiago as well, but this would never have occurred to me. I sometimes went to the local townhall or police station to ask about options to stay, but I never rang at doorbells (apart from maybe once to ask for water). It was my free choice to walk there and if there was no pilgrims lodging I would book a chambre d'hôtes or hotel.

And also, if your house was on a less traveled Camino route, would you let pilgrims who ring your doorbell stay with you?

I'm American and would never do that. Learned from an early age not to do that. It would be for me like hitchhiking as a lone woman. That said the Camino has taught me to accept and be grateful for the kindness of strangers.

 

[howardd5]

I am just curious what your opinion is on this. Would you knock on doors on quiet Caminos to ask for a place to stay?

I saw this advice being given to a pilgrim who will start her Camino in the Netherlands and walk through Belgium and France. The person who gave this advice says she has done this herself. She used to rang the doorbell at houses in villages where there was no albergue or other pilgrims facility to ask for a place to stay. She said that it was a win-win, because people generally like to help out and she had interesting encounters with locals this way.

I have walked from Amsterdam to Santiago as well, but this would never have occurred to me. I sometimes went to the local townhall or police station to ask about options to stay, but I never rang at doorbells (apart from maybe once to ask for water). It was my free choice to walk there and if there was no pilgrims lodging I would book a chambre d'hôtes or hotel.

And also, if your house was on a less traveled Camino route, would you let pilgrims who ring your doorbell stay with you?

Call one of the many & cheap taxis to the next ( or last ) stop for a albergue

 

[pjacobi]

I don't knock on doors of residents, but I have traveled the Camino and all over Europe with no reservations. When I come into town in the late afternoon, I have a list of recommend places to stay. I stop at my first preference and ask if a room/bed is available. If they are full, I move on to the next place on the list.

When the hotel/hostel/albergue was full, the owner/operator often made herculean efforts to find a place for me somewhere in town. Sometimes they made 3 or 4 phone calls or walked me personally down the street to the other place. The key is to be flexible and to accept what is available.


-Paul

 

[walkeatsleep]

So it isn't just me who finds this a little awkward? I can imagine 20 years ago it could have been slightly different, but nowadays even routes through Belgium and northern France are not that less-travelled anymore. If every pilgrim passing by would do this, people in those villages would have to put 'completo' signs on their doors...

Beyond awkward. And with my luck, I'd end up knocking on Hannibal Lector's door!

 

[Anthony Rocco]

I am just curious what your opinion is on this. Would you knock on doors on quiet Caminos to ask for a place to stay?

I saw this advice being given to a pilgrim who will start her Camino in the Netherlands and walk through Belgium and France. The person who gave this advice says she has done this herself. She used to rang the doorbell at houses in villages where there was no albergue or other pilgrims facility to ask for a place to stay. She said that it was a win-win, because people generally like to help out and she had interesting encounters with locals this way.

I have walked from Amsterdam to Santiago as well, but this would never have occurred to me. I sometimes went to the local townhall or police station to ask about options to stay, but I never rang at doorbells (apart from maybe once to ask for water). It was my free choice to walk there and if there was no pilgrims lodging I would book a chambre d'hôtes or hotel.

And also, if your house was on a less traveled Camino route, would you let pilgrims who ring your doorbell stay with you?

I can't imagine knocking on doors of homes. I have banged on doors at albergues, have gone to bars, town halls and police stations as the usual courses of action. Even so, there have been four times when we simply sat down in a square and waited for someone to come to our rescue, with our backpacks and shells obvious to anyone. Only once did we have to wait more than 20 minutes for someone to come up to us and ask if needed any assistance. In each case, they led us to someone else who knew where we could stay. We are true blue believers that the camino provides!

 

[Kathar1na]

We are true blue believers that the camino provides!

But was that in the Netherlands and in Belgium and in the north and middle of France?

My eyesight isn't as good as it was: Does it say 1532 km to Santiago in your forum photo or is it 532 km? The Camino provides quite unevenly the further north you are from the Pyrenees.

 

[MirtaC]

I am just curious what your opinion is on this. Would you knock on doors on quiet Caminos to ask for a place to stay?

I saw this advice being given to a pilgrim who will start her Camino in the Netherlands and walk through Belgium and France. The person who gave this advice says she has done this herself. She used to rang the doorbell at houses in villages where there was no albergue or other pilgrims facility to ask for a place to stay. She said that it was a win-win, because people generally like to help out and she had interesting encounters with locals this way.

I have walked from Amsterdam to Santiago as well, but this would never have occurred to me. I sometimes went to the local townhall or police station to ask about options to stay, but I never rang at doorbells (apart from maybe once to ask for water). It was my free choice to walk there and if there was no pilgrims lodging I would book a chambre d'hôtes or hotel.

And also, if your house was on a less traveled Camino route, would you let pilgrims who ring your doorbell stay with you?

Hi!
I wouldn't do it not even if it was in my own country. Besides, I would feel like I was imposing on their hospitality.

 

[Gerard Griffin]

Such hospitality to strangers is a matter of time, place and culture: where you are, and when you are there. Remote places still have traditions of hospitality today that all Western countries have lost, although like my own country they too had such traditions many years ago, before modernity swept them away. Eskimo (oops, Inuit) and Bedouin cultures still have them today, or so they say.

I once met a British couple who travelled with a donkey in impoverished northeastern Turkey for months and never once paid for lodging. The people they met offered them hospitality and would have been insulted by refusal or an offer of payment.

On the other end of the scale is the unfortunate Japanese fellow who knocked on a door in the US and was shot dead by the householder, who avoided prosecution. I'm not being anti-American for once; we'll all be like that soon, they just got there first is all.

The remote villages on the Camino are still old-fashioned enough to have living hospitality traditions, even today. One of the many reasons why I love it so much is because the clock has stopped and people are so kind to one another, even people from the "real" world.

But I wouldn't depend on it, because even the Camino is changing, a change boosted by the COVID pandemic, which has hardened hearts, raised prices and made people suspicious of strangers. So it goes, as Kurt Vonnegut used to say.

 

[Luka]

I know someone who did this some ten years ago walking from home in Brittanny - to make her camino more afordable. Never had any problem, she said. We have lost contact somehow.

That is what the Dutch woman wrote as well. But that is only their perspective/interpretation. It is very likely that they have been hosted by people who found it difficult to say no.

 

[SabsP]

I can see this happening, The circumstances are different, however. You met her outside and had a conversation, She was not soliciting from you. You,on the other hand, were able to make a judgement that, based on conversation and impressions, she would likely not cause you any harm. I’m glad it worked out for you both!

if I couldn’t find a place to stay, I would call a taxi, even if Ihad to travel 50km. Not worth the risk IMO.

And I would do it again.

 

[peregrina2000]

This thread reminded me of Ann Sieben, the “Winter Pilgrim.”

Her story is pretty incredible, and she walks with no money, dependent always on the hospitality of others. She has a website, but my ipad tells me it is not secure. So I found this article to give you an introduction if you’ve not heard of her. Turns out she spoke at a recent APOC (American Pilgrims) meeting.

 

[Pathfinder075]

If walking a remote route, carry a bivi bag or tent. Instant accommodation and if you ask the locals where you could discretely pitch it, i'm sure they would point out a place.

I would never knock on someones door unless I had no water or was on the verge of dying. I would consider it to be invasive and downright rude.

I have heard of people being offered accommodation in local council sports halls etc, if in a bind, but I think having a tent is still the way to go for self sufficiency (or at the last a bivi bag/portable shelter).

 

[Bristle Boy]

Somehow I find this subject of "tapping on doors" to see if they would accept a request for overnight accomodation a little disturbing.
I always taught my children to never accept sweets from strangers, never to get into a car with a stranger and when in trouble to seek help from a policeman in uniform or someone in a shop or public place.
This advice is being put on its head by adults who should know better and know nothing of the person who answers the door. You may be a pilgrim on a camino route but that might not apply to the householder.
There are enough threads concerned with womens safety, flashers etc.and this custom (which I hope gains no traction) is fraught with potential risk and danger.

 

[SabsP]

This thread reminded me of Ann Sieben, the “Winter Pilgrim.”

Her story is pretty incredible, and she walks with no money, dependent always on the hospitality of others. She has a website, but my ipad tells me it is not secure. So I found this article to give you an introduction if you’ve not heard of her. Turns out she spoke at a recent APOC (American Pilgrims) meeting.

Recently I have been reading also about her endeavours and the values she and her associates stand for.

Here is another link.

The Winter Pilgrim: An Interview With Ann Sieben, By Awakin Call Transcript | DailyGood

From Nuclear Engineer to Adventure Pilgrim to Spiritual Pilgrim to Servant Pilgrim Xiao: Today our special guest speaker is non...

www.dailygood.org

I do not totally agree with their philosophy but I can relate to their basic attitude.

The Parable of the good Samaritan comes to mind.

 

[Gerard Griffin]

Sometimes a post sets off a discussion that goes to the heart of the Camino, and for me this is one.

One of the reasons people go on the Camino is that there the hostility and defensive suspicion which prevails in the real world--and is necessary there-- is magically suspended. Bristle Boy describes it well.

Everyone notices this. You most likely don't have a family in the real world, not even in the people who share your blood. And sure, your Camino "family" may fade into indifference once you're all back in the real world, but on the Way, their delight in you is just as true as yours in them. And the real world doesn't "provide" ... A casual glance in doorways on the streets of our cities will show us that.

The outrage we all feel at the misbehaving of a tiny number of the thousands of people on the Way illustrates that. For who would consider petty theft and exhibitionism worthy of comment in the real world, where far worse is a daily unremarkable occurrence?

I know hospitality traditions are dying everywhere and on the Camino also the magic, the dispensation from the dog-eat-dog nihilism of the real world, is fading and will eventually vanish.

I'm glad I won't be around to see it, and I'm very glad that I discovered the Camino and it's magic 7 years ago when I did, when my desire to live in the real world had almost become exhausted.

Where else in the world do strangers greet each other to bless them? By wishing them well? By giving them food, walking poles, blister bandages, money at need? By speaking to them openly and kindly and with acceptance, opening their hearts to them and allowing the others heart to be opened? By volunteering to clean toilets, for nothing, to help them on their Way? Not in the real world, where the stranger is no longer a mysterious, sacred figure with the power to bless and to receive blessings. Only an enemy you haven't made yet.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

So I found this article to give you an introduction if you’ve not heard of her.

That's quite an article. What an extraordinary woman.

 

[Kirkie]

Sometimes a post sets off a discussion that goes to the heart of the Camino, and for me this is one.

One of the reasons people go on the Camino is that there the hostility and defensive suspicion which prevails in the real world--and is necessary there-- is magically suspended. Bristle Boy describes it well.

Everyone notices this. You most likely don't have a family in the real world, not even in the people who share your blood. And sure, your Camino "family" may fade into indifference once you're all back in the real world, but on the Way, their delight in you is just as true as yours in them. And the real world doesn't "provide" ... A casual glance in doorways on the streets of our cities will show us that.

The outrage we all feel at the misbehaving of a tiny number of the thousands of people on the Way illustrates that. For who would consider petty theft and exhibitionism worthy of comment in the real world, where far worse is a daily unremarkable occurrence?

I know hospitality traditions are dying everywhere and on the Camino also the magic, the dispensation from the dog-eat-dog nihilism of the real world, is fading and will eventually vanish.

I'm glad I won't be around to see it, and I'm very glad that I discovered the Camino and it's magic 7 years ago when I did, when my desire to live in the real world had almost become exhausted.

Where else in the world do strangers greet each other to bless them? By wishing them well? By giving them food, walking poles, blister bandages, money at need? By speaking to them openly and kindly and with acceptance, opening their hearts to them and allowing the others heart to be opened? By volunteering to clean toilets, for nothing, to help them on their Way? Not in the real world, where the stranger is no longer a mysterious, sacred figure with the power to bless and to receive blessings. Only an enemy you haven't made yet.

Thank you.
My first reply was a tiny part of a story, a true story.
I love your reply, and repeat: thank you.

 

[lovingkindness]

I am just curious what your opinion is on this. Would you knock on doors on quiet Caminos to ask for a place to stay?

Yes. I knock on doors often.

 

[henrythedog]

One of the reasons people go on the Camino is that there the hostility and defensive suspicion which prevails in the real world--and is necessary there-- is magically suspended. Bristle Boy describes it well.

I’m still not sure if I’m allowed to say ‘bollocks’ on here; but I’ll give it a go and accept the consequences.

This make-believe alternate reality is happening in the middle of the real life of normal everyday rural Spain. People getting up and going to work, feeding their families and dealing with the hopes, dreams, aspirations, successes and failures that are normal for all of us. Meanwhile there’s some hostility-free parade passing through that’s somehow special?

I’ll proactively report myself; but throw in a gratuitous ‘bollocks’ whilst I can.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I’m still not sure if I’m allowed to say ‘bollocks’ on here; but I’ll give it a go and accept the consequences.

Here is the "Bollocks bar" in Barcelona...surely the word isn't too bad!

 

[Bristle Boy]

Here is the "Bollocks bar" in Barcelona...surely the word isn't too bad!
View attachment 154812

Owned by two brothers apparently. They're twins.

 

[Theatregal]

Eskimo (oops, Inuit) and Bedouin cultures still have them today, or so they say.

"Inuit", (pejorative: Eskimo) meaning "the people", is not ("oops"). It is correct and respectful.

 

[dick bird]

Am I the only one a little uncomfortable with this idea? It is one thing to accept hospitality when offered or help when needed, but to boldly knock on someone´s door and ask for a place to stay when you don´t need it goes against the grain for me. It could be construed as taking advantage of someone´s generosity and could easily be abused, especially when there is a clear wealth difference between the giver and the recipient in favour of the latter. If a total stranger knocked on your door one night, would you invite them in to stay the night?

 

[Albertagirl]

This thread has reminded me of an experience from my first camino. I had somehow got off the camino route, lured by a row of classical agricultural machinery along the middle of a side road. When I got to the village that was some way down this road, I was aware that I had left the trail, and I wanted to get back onto it. A senior woman (about my present age?) offered assistance, and I said that I was lost, had accidentally left the camino. It was still fairly early in the day, but she invited me to spend a night with her. I said, "No thanks." She directed me back to the camino, and I went on. Now I am wondering if she was just a kind person, used to lost pilgrims wandering past, or if she might have desired company. I certainly looked harmless enough, not to mention clueless. If a similar situation arises again, I hope to be willing to offer a little more of my time and my gratitude to anyone who is willing to help me out.

 

[Bristle Boy]

Am I the only one a little uncomfortable with this idea? It is one thing to accept hospitality when offered or help when needed, but to boldly knock on someone´s door and ask for a place to stay when you don´t need it goes against the grain for me. It could be construed as taking advantage of someone´s generosity and could easily be abused, especially when there is a clear wealth difference between the giver and the recipient in favour of the latter. If a total stranger knocked on your door one night, would you invite them in to stay the night?

No you aren't the only one to feel uncomfortable with this idea....on many levels.

 

[SabsP]

Yes. I knock on doors often.

I thought as much seeing all you Caminos/Vias/Pilgerwege. I can only imagine you visited places where there was no possibility for a tent and there were no other lodgings either.

I am also pretty sure that you are not the type of person who would see it like " an experiment " as was written in the OP.

 

[KayfromUK]

I haven't done the Camino yet, but it's heart-warming to read so much kindness and trust exist in Camino.
These days, I am even suspicious of opening the door on Halloween night as you never know who are out in the dark as I live alone. Their parents are also cautious and accompany the children.
However, I have also experienced the kindness of the locals 30 some years ago in former Jugoslavia. It wasn't a Camino but I was on my art college project wandering through the country with my backpack and a sketchbook.
I used to go to the tourist information to find an accomodation for the night.
When I arrived Jaice, I tried to find the info office. I asked the local where it was. It turned out it was the other side of the town and the local thought it was too far. People started gathering, discussing what to do with this foreign girl. Eventually, one of the men offered his family home for me to stay. I tried to pay for the night but he didn't accept. when I told him I was going out to eat, he told me to sit down and gave me dinner. We didn't have a common language. I had a sebro-croatian phrase book. All I could do was to pick up a simple phrase and read.
Since we couldn't hold a conversation, when I left them the next day, it was the last time we had any contact. I had a trust in them and they welcomed this stranger.
Perhaps, some locals have more trust on priglims than other tourists, built on the long history. I wish the trust will continue.

 

[howardd5]

Somehow I find this subject of "tapping on doors" to see if they would accept a request for overnight accomodation a little disturbing.
I always taught my children to never accept sweets from strangers, never to get into a car with a stranger and when in trouble to seek help from a policeman in uniform or someone in a shop or public place.
This advice is being put on its head by adults who should know better and know nothing of the person who answers the door. You may be a pilgrim on a camino route but that might not apply to the householder.
There are enough threads concerned with womens safety, flashers etc.and this custom (which I hope gains no traction) is fraught with potential risk and danger.

There a lot of truth there

 

[soleil]

The Camino provides is one thing, but foreign pilgrim imposes is quite another.

This, 100%.

It would have to be dire indeed to go knock on someone's door.

 

[howardd5]

This, 100%.

It would have to be dire indeed to go knock on someone's door.

You can always take a taxi to the next village

 

[SabsP]

You can always take a taxi to the next village

Not everyone has the finances for a taxi. So they will have to walk or take public transport.

 

[howardd5]

Not everyone has the finances for a taxi. So they will have to walk or take public transport.

I’m surprised how little they charge , I went on a side trip with three others for E 35 and yes it was divided up but sure worth it

 

[soleil]

Not everyone has the finances for a taxi. So they will have to walk or take public transport.

If I am going to travel across an ocean and don't have a few extra euros for a taxi, a bus, or a trip to the doctor, I have done myself an enormous disservice by not planning well enough to take care of myself when the inevitable challenge happens.

I get pilgrimage. I get sacrifice. I also get not setting yourself up to fail if something goes pearshaped...and something always will.

 

[elizason13]

I am just curious what your opinion is on this. Would you knock on doors on quiet Caminos to ask for a place to stay?

I saw this advice being given to a pilgrim who will start her Camino in the Netherlands and walk through Belgium and France. The person who gave this advice says she has done this herself. She used to rang the doorbell at houses in villages where there was no albergue or other pilgrims facility to ask for a place to stay. She said that it was a win-win, because people generally like to help out and she had interesting encounters with locals this way.

I have walked from Amsterdam to Santiago as well, but this would never have occurred to me. I sometimes went to the local townhall or police station to ask about options to stay, but I never rang at doorbells (apart from maybe once to ask for water). It was my free choice to walk there and if there was no pilgrims lodging I would book a chambre d'hôtes or hotel.

And also, if your house was on a less traveled Camino route, would you let pilgrims who ring your doorbell stay with you?

Check out
Miam miam dodo

 

[SabsP]

If I am going to travel across an ocean and don't have a few extra euros for a taxi, a bus, or a trip to the doctor, I have done myself an enormous disservice by not planning well enough to take care of myself when the inevitable challenge happens.

I get pilgrimage. I get sacrifice. I also get not setting yourself up to fail if something goes pearshaped...and something always will.

I am talking from a European viewpoint where healthcare is practically free, where public transport is relatively cheap and available and a taxi still a special treat.
And I know lots of pilgrims who might not be poor in economical terms but still need to be frugal.

 

[oursonpolaire]

You can always take a taxi to the next village

I have been in parts of rural France wherre this is not possible and where there are no public facilities at all in the village (no bar, no shop, etc, and only the mairie open on two half-days) so while this can sometimes be managed, there are times and places where it can't be. I have found that stopping cars would result in the driver calling for a taxi for me but more often they would give me a lift to the next place (a practice not without risks).

 

[JCLima]

If I am going to travel across an ocean and don't have a few extra euros for a taxi, a bus, or a trip to the doctor, I have done myself an enormous disservice by not planning well enough to take care of myself when the inevitable challenge happens.

I get pilgrimage. I get sacrifice. I also get not setting yourself up to fail if something goes pearshaped...and something always will.

Some of us don't have to travel across an ocean.
Some of us don't even have to travel across other country.

 

[Marc S.]

If I am going to travel across an ocean and don't have a few extra euros for a taxi, a bus, or a trip to the doctor, I have done myself an enormous disservice by not planning well enough to take care of myself when the inevitable challenge happens.

I get your point that - when people have the budget to take intercontinental flights, they may be expected to also have a budget for the occasional taxi etc. However, only a minority of pilgrims walking a camino (or Chemin, or Jakobsweg, etc) have taken an expensive intercontinental flight before they start walking.

I get pilgrimage. I get sacrifice. I also get not setting yourself up to fail if something goes pearshaped...and something always will.

I am not sure if I understand this correctly and how I should understand failure or 'setting yourself up to fail' in the context of a pilgrimage. I can imagine myself knocking on doors to find a place to stay, in exceptional circumstances, on lesser travelled paths. I find it hard to see this as a failure, in fact on the contrary.

 

[sun is shining]

I am talking from a European viewpoint where healthcare is practically free, where public transport is relatively cheap and available and a taxi still a special treat.
And I know lots of pilgrims who might not be poor in economical terms but still need to be frugal.

Thanks for bringing in a European perspective!

Also, the notion of getting a taxi in a tiny village along a lesser travelled Camino might be more far-fetched than knocking on a strangers door for help.

 

[C clearly]

Thanks for bringing in a European perspective!

As it happens, the OP started with a European perspective.

I would be willing to knock on a door to ask for help finding a taxi, if I really needed one.

 

[soleil]

I get your point that - when people have the budget to take intercontinental flights, they may be expected to also have a budget for the occasional taxi etc. However, only a minority of pilgrims walking a camino (or Chemin, or Jakobsweg, etc) have taken an expensive intercontinental flight before they start walking.



I am not sure if I understand this correctly and how I should understand failure or 'setting yourself up to fail' in the context of a pilgrimage. I can imagine myself knocking on doors to find a place to stay, in exceptional circumstances, on lesser travelled paths. I find it hard to see this as a failure, in fact on the contrary.

Setting yourself up to fail means failing to plan (mentally, financially, logistically) to be able to take care of yourself when the fertilizer hits the ventilation.

Having enough cushion to pay for a bus/taxi/unexpected night in a hotel due to illness/injury/weather/etc is your responsibility. Don't leave yourself sick or hurt and sleeping rough because you don't have enough to find shelter, feed yourself, or find help.

Live in the EU? OK. Your safety net doesn't have to be a large or as secure. But you still need to have one.

Don't live in the EU? I promise that doctors and hospitals and taxi drivers and pharmacists and restaurateurs and hoteliers want (indeed *deserve*) to get paid. Plan accordingly.

 

[Marc S.]

Live in the EU? OK. Your safety net doesn't have to be a large or as secure. But you still need to have one.

Don't live in the EU? I promise that doctors and hospitals and taxi drivers and pharmacists and restaurateurs and hoteliers want (indeed *deserve*) to get paid. Plan accordingly.

I am not sure how these comments are related to the subject of fhis thread. And I am not sure how they are related to what I wrote.

But let me clarify that also in EU countries hospitals, taxi drivers and hoteliers are expecting to get paid. So basically it is just not clear to me what point you are trying to make, sorry.

Setting yourself up to fail means failing to plan (mentally, financially, logistically) to be able to take care of yourself when the fertilizer hits the ventilation.

Don't leave yourself sick or hurt and sleeping rough because you don't have enough to find shelter, feed yourself, or find help.

Taking care of yourself can also mean sleeping rough or on a church porch, instead of getting stressed about finding some other form of accomodation. It may be not be your choice (fair enough), but other people may choose to do so. (again, this was actually not the subject of this thread) anyway). It seems a bid odd to conclude that in such instances people have failed, while they are just making decions that you would not have made yourself.

Anyway. I think we are totally talking past each other, so I leave it with that.