Lost "spirit "on camino today

[Breige]

Currently walking camino Frances ... Today stage 9 najera to santo domingo
This is the first day that the "spirit of camino " is lost
Stopped at golf course Rioja Alta in ciruena for lunch. Firstly felt that we were ignored and overlooked whilst trying to order at the bar but my real complaint was about a sign displayed in the toilets stating ... You are welcome to use our club but please note that toilet roll is for immediate use only.
Then onto santo domingo where pilgrims have to pay to visit the cathederal and in fact my friend was denied admission to pilgrims mass because she was a few minutes late...
Hope tomorrow brings back some "spirit"

 

[AJ]

Currently walking camino Frances ... Today stage 9 najera to santo domingo
Firstly felt that we were ignored and overlooked whilst trying to order at the bar but my real complaint was about a sign displayed in the toilets stating ... You are welcome to use our club but please note that toilet roll is for immediate use only.

Spanish bartenders specialise in ignoring customers; what happened was normal.

Some pilgrims steal toilet paper; from albergues, from bars, from each other.

Don't think you are special just because you are a pilgrim.

 

[Kanga]

Spanish bartenders specialise in ignoring customers; what happened was normal.

Actually a sign of acceptance; they are treating you like a local! Who wants special treatment because the barkeeper thinks you are a rich extranjero.

 

[Metropolly]

I hope that tomorrow the spirit is restored. Don't allow yourself to become over-tired, make sure you drink enough water, sort through your pack to see if you can't lose 1kg of something, somehow. If you drink, treat yourself to a glass or two of Reserva - or at least a Crianza. As you walk, imagine how 'ironic' Alanis Morisette would find your experiences, make up new lyrics and sing them out loud (please, I can't be the only one who does this?). The Camino will continue to welcome you

 

[annakappa]

I think the notice about the toilet paper is brilliant. Far too many Pilgrim's take what is supposed to be a service for all. And that applies especially in the Albergues. I think it should be posted in all Albergues! Anne

 

[newfydog]

Then onto santo domingo where pilgrims have to pay to visit the cathederal ...
"

I thought they only did that in Italy! The Canterbury Cathedral charged something but was free with a pilgrim passport.

The church in Santo Domingo is worth going to. They have had chickens at the altar for 100's of years. When I was there, the rooster sent a feather down, which floated right into my hand, and was soon taped into my passport.

It was in Santo Domingo though where a hotel wanted us to pay the price of parking a car to put our bikes in a corner of their parking garage. We said that would not be acceptable. They told us to go elsewhere. We went to the parador (built by Santo Domingo himself, for pilgrims) Ok, it is a bit expensive now but the history of that entire town is good for the pilgrim spirit.

 

[frasert]

Yes I definitely wouldn't stop at that golf course again it seemed out of context to my walk

 

[naplesdon]

I hope that tomorrow the spirit is restored. Don't allow yourself to become over-tired, make sure you drink enough water, sort through your pack to see if you can't lose 1kg of something, somehow. If you drink, treat yourself to a glass or two of Reserva - or at least a Crianza. As you walk, imagine how 'ironic' Alanis Morisette would find your experiences, make up new lyrics and sing them out loud (please, I can't be the only one who does this?). The Camino will continue to welcome you

Thank U for reminding me about "unabashedly bawling your eyes out."

 

[Metropolly]

Thank U for reminding me about "unabashedly bawling your eyes out."

Have we just compounded Breige's suffering by planting an Alanis Morisette 'ear worm' in the poor pilgrim's head? If so, apologies and buen Camino

 

[Olivares]

Currently walking camino Frances ... Today stage 9 najera to santo domingo
This is the first day that the "spirit of camino " is lost. Stopped at golf course Rioja Alta in ciruena for lunch. Firstly felt that we were ignored and overlooked whilst trying to order at the bar but my real complaint was about a sign displayed in the toilets stating ... You are welcome to use our club but please note that toilet roll is for immediate use only. Then onto santo domingo where pilgrims have to pay to visit the cathederal and in fact my friend was denied admission to pilgrims mass because she was a few minutes late...Hope tomorrow brings back some "spirit"

Well, while I totally get your annoyance, there are always 3 sides to a story and we got yours. So, going by your side of the story, I have to say that I see nothing wrong with the Golf Club sign. Yes, often times pilgrims would take anything that is not nailed down from public facilities and toilet paper becomes a prized commodity. Replacing supplies several times a day becomes a costly burden easily and by the look of Ciruena, the place is in serious need of cash flow. I suspect that not many pilgrims stop at a Golf course for lunch to begin with but to use the facilities....So, sorry I am with the Golf Course on that one.

In regards to not been admitted after Mass started: I do not see absolutely nothing wrong for the church locals in Santo Domingo de la Calzada wanting people (pilgrims or no pilgrims) to take in the FULL MASS. Before Vatican Council II that was EXACTLY the rule, which was relaxed a bit after the II Council. I do know that in order to participate in the Commnunion, the Mass participant has to be present for the Readings and the Offertory; if your friend wanted to come in passed those parts of the Mass, the local Church (Cathedral) was just enforcing the Church Rules, which apply to pilgrims and non-pilgrims. So, sorry but I am with the Church locals on this one as well...

As far as charging for admission: I have no qualms paying admission to a church if Iam going in with the expectation to experience it as if I was in a Museum. I have never found myself paying in to pray nor to attend Mass and I have been to Mass in churches all over the word. Churches who are also historical and cultural monuments have an added costly maintenance and preservation financial burden (i.e. it costs 2000 Euros/day to maintain and preserve the Burgos Cathedral). If I am a passerby and want to go in a church for its historical significance, then I have no issues paying a fee. I would at any Museum....BTW, these admissions fees are solely at certain times and there is ALWAYS free periods.

...and I totally agree that Ciruena is one of the spookiest sights along the Camino; spookier than the Sorginaritzaga Forest after Roncesvalles .

Sorry, but, to me, the Spirit of the Camino remains alive and well! Buen camino! Don't sweat the small stuff!

 

[rector]

Currently walking camino Frances ... Today stage 9 najera to santo domingo
This is the first day that the "spirit of camino " is lost
Stopped at golf course Rioja Alta in ciruena for lunch. Firstly felt that we were ignored and overlooked whilst trying to order at the bar but my real complaint was about a sign displayed in the toilets stating ... You are welcome to use our club but please note that toilet roll is for immediate use only.
Then onto santo domingo where pilgrims have to pay to visit the cathederal and in fact my friend was denied admission to pilgrims mass because she was a few minutes late...
Hope tomorrow brings back some "spirit"

Sometimes it is only when we lose something, all be it for a short while, that we appreciate how precious it is and be assured this loss is only temporary there are lots of joy filled experiences still to come.

 

[vicrev]

There is something weird about that part of the Camino. That strange empty town near the golf course gave me the willies.

.

A town full of weird-willies........Brrrrr...........keep smiling ......Vicrev

 

[Kanga]

Is that near the new empty housing developments? Lost dreams and empty futures.

 

[Felipe]

Charging tourists for visiting some historic churches is standard practice in Spain. This has been quite discussed, because the Church as institution receives a hefty subsidy from the government. I remember an old señor arguing vehemently at the entry of a cathedral that he has being charged twice -first as taxpayer, and then as a visitor. But this is for Spaniards to decide, and certainly there could be rich cathedrals and poor parishes, because the Church is not a monolithic institution. As a foreign national, I accept things as they are. And, on the other side, if I remember well, pilgrims are sometimes exempted or receive some discounts presenting their credencial (paying respects to relics on the way to Santiago was one of the historical reasons for pilgrimage). I was accepted without charge at the museum of Segovia cathedral, even when I was a "former pilgrim", but I was wearing a Camino t-shirt and I guess I had still this exhausted and battered look...

 

[naplesdon]

Sometimes it is only when we lose something, all be it for a short while, that we appreciate how precious it is and be assured this loss is only temporary there are lots of joy filled experiences still to come.

There is famous song with lyrics similar to your sentiments, I can't remember who recorded it. Maybe Dylan?
As a former real estate developer, yes one of those, I can see how someone with the help of Spanish banks offering them low interest rates would build the golf course and housing in Cireuna. It is close "enough" to population centers and in a great location. Trust me one day they will be fully occupied and asking for the Camino to moved south of their haven.

 

[Felipe]

I remember walking besides this golf course, and seeing a lot of balls on the pavement. I thought that being hit on the head by one of these would not be nice...Not a golfer on sight, fortunately, because the weather was quite cold and windy.

 

[Stephen]

"They paved paradise and put up a parking lot..."
Joni Mitchell

 

[PeregrinaIR]

Back away from the computer Breige and keep walking. Tomorrow's another day

 

[Rebekah Scott]

It could be worse. No one robbed you. Or gave you a view of his "family jewels."

 

[mamadoodle]

[QUOTE=

In regards to not been admitted after Mass started: I do not see absolutely nothing wrong for the church locals in Santo Domingo de la Calzada wanting people (pilgrims or no pilgrims) to take in the FULL MASS. Before Vatican Council II that was EXACTLY the rule, which was relaxed a bit after the II Council. I do know that in order to participate in the Commnunion, the Mass participant has to be present for the Readings and the Offertory; if your friend wanted to come in passed those parts of the Mass, the local Church (Cathedral) was just enforcing the Church Rules, which apply to pilgrims and non-pilgrims. So, sorry but I am with the Church locals on this one as well..."

I respectively disagree on the above points. As a visitor to the area, I would accept the local customs but as a Catholic I think it is absolutely non-Christian to bar a person from attending mass because they missed the beginning of the service. And Eucharist Ministers offer communion to parishioners without Mass and one can attend Mass without receiving communion. The only church rule I am aware of is that non-Catholics should not receive communion.

I think I would have accepted the "rule" for what it was. But truthfully I also would have felt excluded if I was turned away. Those actions seem just the opposite of the Camino spirit of being open and welcoming and supportive and Catholic and apostolic. It also makes me more conscious of trying to be more aware and accepting of others. I'll try harder to change myself. I can't change the church.

 

[koilife]

Hope tomorrow brings back some "spirit"

It was my experience that, when I was challenged by adversity, lack of charity, etc. that I grew the most, perhaps precisely because it ceased to be the camino I wanted and became the camino I needed . . . Perhaps the "loss of spirit" is actually fertilizer for the soul, even if it stinks a little . . .

 

[Alexster66]

I'm also in Santo Domingo today and happily paid the 3 euro for entrance. Twas truly amazing. As for the toilet roll sign I'm walking with someone for the last couple of days who openly admitted to taking the whole toilet roll from the golf course today. It made me feel very uncomfortable and I wished I had said something but as usual just shut up. Its stealing. I wish you a buen camino.

 

[koilife]

I respectively disagree on the above points. As a visitor to the area, I would accept the local customs but as a Catholic I think it is absolutely non-Christian to bar a person from attending mass because they missed the beginning of the service. And Eucharist Ministers offer communion to parishioners without Mass and one can attend Mass without receiving communion. The only church rule I am aware of is that non-Catholics should not receive communion.

I think I would have accepted the "rule" for what it was. But truthfully I also would have felt excluded if I was turned away. Those actions seem just the opposite of the Camino spirit of being open and welcoming and supportive and Catholic and apostolic. It also makes me more conscious of trying to be more aware and accepting of others. I'll try harder to change myself. I can't change the church.

Not sure of the circumstances for the person involved, but I think there may be another explanation that is not about "rules" but about respect.

There were several times where I did arrive a few minutes late for Mass, and I had no problems being admitted, except one time at the Cathedral in Logrono. The person at the door thought I was a pilgrim who was coming in to snap pictures and wander around. I lacked the language skills to communicate that I was actually there for the Mass, so I resorted to some rather ridiculous pantomime. She reluctantly let me in and watched me like a hawk until she saw me genuflect and enter the pew, at which point she visibly relaxed because it was obvious I was there for the Mass as participant and not as a tourist.

I understand and agree with her reluctance. On a half dozen or more occasions during the pilgrimage, I was at Mass and there were "tourigrinos" walking around and snapping pictures during Mass of the various statues, side altars, etc., and several times holding actual conversations. It was highly disruptive, and my hope is that it stemmed from ignorance and not actual disrespect. Regardless, I would support having a ban on late admittance for anyone who cannot actually express that they are there for the Mass itself.

I don't blame her for her reticence to admit me. The Mass is a sacred act (at least for those of us who accept that proposition), and I lacked the language skills to communicate that I understood this and was going to behave as such. That's 100% my responsibility as a visitor who can't speak the language. I suspect this would be a very common issue at the larger "museum-like" churches and cathedrals.

 

[SabsP]

I also stopped at the club / bar of the golf course. Took my time.Had some coffees and was made very welcome by the lady managing the bar that morning.

 

[annakappa]

I'm also in Santo Domingo today and happily paid the 3 euro for entrance. Twas truly amazing. As for the toilet roll sign I'm walking with someone for the last couple of days who openly admitted to taking the whole toilet roll from the golf course today. It made me feel very uncomfortable and I wished I had said something but as usual just shut up. Its stealing. I wish you a buen camino.

There we are! And he/she wasn't the first nor the last Pilgrim to take a roll of toilet paper! Anne

 

[grayland]

I am not sure there is a much more inconsiderate act. It is not only a burden on the owners but can be drastic to the next person in serious need ..

 

[koilife]

I am not sure there is a much more inconsiderate act. It is not only a burden on the owners but can be drastic to the next person in serious need ..

Agreed. Some of the best advice I found on this forum was to always carry a "just in case" stash of pocket Kleenex with me whenever I go to the restrooms. There were two in my pack when I left, and only 1/2 of one when I came home.

 

[annakappa]

We always carry a small packet of Kleenex too.
Anne

 

[Al the optimist]

We stopped at the golf course for a snack. The service was fine, just normal. Quite a welcome stop after the hill. PS I carry a pack of wipelets, they also double up to clean my hands if necessary.

 

[Carla Jean]

I had a wonderful Camino experience at Rioja Alta. I could NOT resist the call of the golf course as I walked by, so stopped in, got some rental clubs, bought some balls, tees and a glove, changed in the locker room and was all set to walk (of course) and play the course. The lady in the "Pro Shop" made sure my clubs were waiting for me and directed me to the first tee. I was invited to play with another single player, a local Basque retiree, who guided me around the course. Had a great round, changed clothes and then back to the Camino.

I was probably an experience for them. A 65-year-old American female who could really drive a golf ball, putt, speak Spanish and order a "Clara" after a round of golf.

Buen camino, yes it is!

Carla

 

[george.g]

Breige,
If it doesn't kill you, it only makes you stronger!
Keep on going!
Regards
George

 

[pipello]

Thank you for this thread. I am preparing to return to the Camino in a couple of weeks. My husband and I walked from Burgos to Finesterre last year and we feel drawn to return and walk from St. Jean Pied de Port to Burgos this year. Who knows if we will join the ranks of the perpetual peregrines. This year is different and that is why I'm writing this. Last year, especially since we are in our late 60s, we felt somewhat like rock stars. Our friends and family cheered us on, everything was unknown, and we were buoyed up by the attention. This year, it's more personal and I realize, as others have posted, that I must erase any feelings of entitlement. I am walking for myself, for all sentient beings, for the experiences that I attract for better or worse. Respect for the customs of the locals is essential. Also, as the Camino becomes more well known and accessible, there are bound to be changes in the reactions of the locals and other peregrinos. We can bemoan the "commercialism" or embrace it as a way for locals to be economically self sufficient and for many peoples from around the world to have their own experience. I appreciate these discussions. Namaste.

 

[obinjatoo@yahoo.com]

Try to remember that you are a visitor in a very poor country... Granted there is wealth also but the churches and cathedrals are like museums. It cost money to turn the lights on. I found it ingenious when I had to put a coin in a slot to get the lights to come on. Try to remember too that early pilgrims were very poor and many did not even have a pot to piss in. They slept out in the open and were often robbed or worse in the night by bandits and what have you.
Buy a roll of TP and carry it with you. You are not "entitled" to anything because you are a pilgrim... And most importantly, don't take it personally.

 

[Stellere]

That golf course ghost town was weird. Ask my Dad if there was any part of the whole walk that he disliked, and he'll talk about that ghost town! I didn't mind it so much, but he had a very strong negative reaction to it. I felt that way walking through Logrono, although most people I spoke to afterwards quite liked Logrono.

A negative reaction to a place can be due to any combination of factors: weather, tiredness, sore feet, general crankiness, physical discomfort, a negative interaction with another person, homesickness, noise, heat, cold… We can't expect every moment of the camino to be nothing but joy, any more than we can expect that from every moment of our lives. It's ok to have a bad day every now and then. Tomorrow will hopefully be better.

I had to laugh at obinjatoo's response - not because it was funny in and of itself, but because it brought to mind an overheard conversation between a grandmother and a granddaughter doing a day hike up to the cruz de ferro. The grandmother was scolding the whining girl (in Spanish): "You have nothing to complain about. Monks used to do this barefoot. And there were wolves trying to eat them."

 

[jayree]

Speaking of "the spirit of the Camino" and toilet paper I am reminded of a story I heard from several fellow pilgrims from Brazil who had breakfast with Jesús Jato the day after we spent the night in Bierzo. It was a special night and we all celebrated the birthday of one pilgrim. First the group sang Cupleaños Feliz in Spanish, then in English, then German, then Dutch. Someone said,"We really do need Esperanto." Afterwards, Jesús performed his now famous Queimada ceremony. It was breathtaking. Towards the end of the spiritual ceremony Jesús brought out a large mason jar, poured some of the liquid into the "cauldron" and then ladled some of the flaming liquid back into the mason jar. He said something like peregrinos from the past are here in spirit and we tonight will be here in spirit in the future for others.Here's the note I emailed to friends at the time, October 2012 ...

"I learned that about 30 minutes after leaving Villafranca de Bierzo that my Brazilian friends stopped for breakfast and met Jesús Arias Jato (the owner of Ave Fenix) who transports bags to the next town from Villafranca, free of charge for anyone who wishes. He told them a sad story.

Jesús is frustrated because he has worked hard to rebuild Ave Fénix, literally from the ashes, but his daughters want nothing to do with it. The Spanish government has increased his taxes from 400€ to 3000€. The camino has become much more commercialized and now attracts peregrinos who do not respect the tradition. They waste water and electricity, which of course he has to pay for. They steal TP. So far this year he has spent 1400€ on TP alone. They place their backpacks on the beds, a real no no, and bring bugs to the bunk rooms. People often come with the wrong expectations and desire everything to be like a resort vacation."

Interestingly, as one enters El Ave Fénix there is a sign over the door,"El turista exige, el peregrino agradece." The tourist demands, the pilgrim thanks. Another sign says, "El Camino es tiempo de meditación interior, no itinerario turístico."

 

[Kanga]

Jesús is like Tomás - a real character of the Camino; they both played a vital role in the days before the Camino was discovered as a cheap walking holiday. With generosity of spirit and kindness they rescued the lost, nursed the sick, cheered the downhearted and provided a warm dry place to sleep. Both are very flawed and human, so proving that everyone is capable of acts of extraordinary goodness. Jesús has tried to provide for the modern pilgrim, but I would never expect him to be a tourist operator.

 

[CaminoKris2013]

I also stopped at the club / bar of the golf course. Took my time.Had some coffees and was made very welcome by the lady managing the bar that morning.

Probably because you didn't act like the world revolved around you, you were respectful to the barkeep, and acted like a pilgrim, not a tourist!

As for the tp, I don't see where you would need a whole roll of tp on the CF. I would figure that while an emergency may require an occasional need to relieve oneself before getting to facilities, for the most part I think one can wait til they get to a rest room.

 

[xin loi]

Pilgrims use TP???? What about the tradition of Lavacolla? Can't believe all those pilgrims counting every gram in their pack bother with carrying TP.

 

[Kanga]

I can understand why, if the shops are shut or there are none around, someone might take a few sheets. But really, to pinch a whole roll of toilet paper - how mean spirited can you get? It just says "I take, take, take".

 

[Stephen]

Surely redundant pages from your guide book would serve, provided they weren't made of glossy paper.

 

[Jochen-Schmidtke]

I think the notice about the toilet paper is brilliant. Far too many Pilgrim's take what is supposed to be a service for all. And that applies especially in the Albergues. I think it should be posted in all Albergues! Anne

Hello.
See this sign I saw in a bar. Is there in this forum someone who can translate this?
I can understand this sign but I think many readers in this forum not.
Buen Camino
Jochen

 

[supersullivan]

Breege, although the sentiments expressed in the Golf Club may have been expressed abruptly, if you consider how many peregrinos of the thousands that pass that way annually may drop in to use the facilities, it only takes a small percentage pilfering toilet rolls to add a noticeable cost to the running of the facilities. As a regular hill walker I always carry a half roll of flattened toilet paper in a ziploc bag whether on the hills in Ireland or on the Camino. For the occassions when I might just need a sheet or two, I take one or two paper serviettes from whatever Cafe/Bar I have my lunch in, remembering of course to properly dispose of the used paper afterwards.

 

[Metropolly]

Toilet paper has no place 'al fresco' - none whatsoever, not even a sheet or two. But... getting back to the 'lost spirit' of the original poster, I think what she seemed to be expressing was simple exasperation at a bad day, not outrage at being denied the right to take a whole loo roll from the golf club. So let's be a little kinder - everyone has bad days, when the smallest slight can seem like the whole world slapping us in the face. Usually when we're tired, hungry or thirsty, or feeling isolated. And yes, of course there are ups and downs on every Camino. And yes, as downs go this was hardly the worst ever. But when someone reaches out to us for a few kind words of encouragement, could we not provide just that, without judging them?
Just a thought

 

[CaminoKris2013]

I don't see any judgement at all on Beige...what I do see is a lot of conversation on the courtesy (or lack thereof) on proper bathroom etiquette for the Camino.

Chances are that the tp issue could have been the last straw for Beige on that day.

As for signs, with such international groups, maybe having a sign with pictures (or at least one with a roll of tp with a red slash across it) will get the message across.

Kris


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

 

[wonzi]

It could be worse. No one robbed you. Or gave you a view of his "family jewels."

OMG! When my granddaughter and I walked last year, we came across some bikers who, evidently, were having problems with their tights and I said to my GD, the least they could do is cover up the "family jewels" and she, being a nurse, had never heard that expression so after explaining, she burst into a fit of laughter! This made my day, thanks, Rebekah!

 

[naplesdon]

Have we just compounded Breige's suffering by planting an Alanis Morisette 'ear worm' in the poor pilgrim's head? If so, apologies and buen Camino

No but how about "just a shot away" from Sir Mick's Gimme Shelter lyrics.

 

[jayree]

The sign in the bar that Jochen posted ...

For the value of a glass of wine you are entitled to:
a small snack (pincho)
a toothpick
a napkin
read the paper
watch TV
listen to music
occupy a table and chair
use the toilet
wash and dry your hands
use toilet paper
throw cigarette butts on the ground
leave packages and messages
have clean dishes
have a comfortable temperature
decide when the local service closes
And also you have
right to say:

"That the owner
makes lots of money."[

 

[Breige]

Back home in Ireland today.
Thank you all for your replies.
We walked for 10 days from puente la reina to fromista.
We met fantastic people both locals and fellow pilgrims and hope to return in September to get a little further.
As for the golf club I just felt the atmosphere in here was different, indeed I felt a little unwelcomed. If I were to repeat this stage I would not here.
And just to say I didn't feel it necessary to STEAL TOILET PAPER from anywhere along the way...
Bein camino

 

[Say Simba]

Currently walking camino Frances ... Today stage 9 najera to santo domingo
This is the first day that the "spirit of camino " is lost
Stopped at golf course Rioja Alta in ciruena for lunch. Firstly felt that we were ignored and overlooked whilst trying to order at the bar but my real complaint was about a sign displayed in the toilets stating ... You are welcome to use our club but please note that toilet roll is for immediate use only.
Then onto santo domingo where pilgrims have to pay to visit the cathederal and in fact my friend was denied admission to pilgrims mass because she was a few minutes late...
Hope tomorrow brings back some "spirit"

To think, you will actually chuckle about this one day. Bring a little toilet paper with you along the trail. I dumped a lot, but that was one item I learned to keep in my pack. As for the mass, and I presume you mean the "Mass of the Cock," just think about that one along the trail for the humor that is in it. I don't remember paying to get in for that, but maybe it was because I had "heathen" written all over me. Can't be for sure. Not one for masses to begin with, but it was that part of the Camino. I do remember that golf course. You kind of got the impression it was run by automatons such as from the movie, "The Stepford Wives." That, or at any moment you would be seeing walking dead with hands outstretched coming from around the buildings along the trail. Glad to hear you made it to Najera. I love the old part of that little town. They have a great medieval festival during the spring.

Buen Camino!

 

[MomtoKatenRose]

Try to remember that you are a visitor in a very poor country... Granted there is wealth also but the churches and cathedrals are like museums. It cost money to turn the lights on. I found it ingenious when I had to put a coin in a slot to get the lights to come on. Try to remember too that early pilgrims were very poor and many did not even have a pot to piss in. They slept out in the open and were often robbed or worse in the night by bandits and what have you.
Buy a roll of TP and carry it with you. You are not "entitled" to anything because you are a pilgrim... And most importantly, don't take it personally.

I love this conversation! Now hoping to carry a roll of toilet paper with me....just for the thrill of replacing something that has been taken....and, as stated, so appreciated by the one who follows. Come to think of it, I would love to have that impact everyday - something else for me to consider on my Camino.

 

[Tia Valeria]

I love this conversation! Now hoping to carry a roll of toilet paper with me....just for the thrill of replacing something that has been taken....and, as stated, so appreciated by the one who follows. Come to think of it, I would love to have that impact everyday - something else for me to consider on my Camino.

A hint:-
Take the central cardboard tube out so that the roll packs flatter. Some brands make travel rolls in a plastic bag/dispenser without the cardboard tube - a useful idea.