Nely closes La Estrella del Camino

[AJGuillaume]

Sad news, Nely closes her albergue in Almería, La Estrella del Camino.

Here's her message:

Estimados amigos peregrinos, lamento comunicaros que cierro el albergue, por razones personales que no me permiten atenderlo.
Deseo que está decisión, no les afecte en su Camino, que seguro será magnífico.
A continuación les facilito teléfonos y nombres de posibles alojamientos en Almería.
Muchas gracias por su comprensión.
Neli Pascual. La Estrella del Camino.
Almería marzo de 2024
- La Pita +34 696 11 66 55
- Residencia Maria Condesa Lluc (solo wasap)
+34 639 92 23 03

Donativo doesn't work: recent pilgrims were leaving not more than €2 . And that includes breakfast! In February, she started asking €20 per person, and someone reported her to the authorities because she hasn't got a private albergue license.

Nely is an angel of the Camino, and it's sad that walkers have taken her generosity, kindness and good heart for granted.

 

[Bernice M]

Indeed very sad news, but having volunteered in a donativo, unsurprising. I did what was not condoned, ie when asked, gave guidance as to an appropriate donation by comparing it to other private operations.

Nely is indeed a camino angel and her care in the albergue and as we headed out towards Granada was exceptional. Even en route Mérida she kept in touch.

 

[peregrina2000]

Not only did Nely open her home, she made dinner for pilgrims, gave them breakfast, picked them up from the airport, took them to pilgrim mass, took them on a tour of the city, gave them snacks to take on the way, incurred the costs of hot water for showers, etc, and as AJ points out, there were some/many who just wouldn’t give.

Mercedes showed me a screen shot of a WhatsApp message she recently received telling her that the Association guide was not correct, because it stated that the albergue at Nely’s house was donativo when in fact she charged 20€. I understand the important public policies behind the distinction between “donativo” and “private albergue”, but I think what it means in this case is that the Mozárabe is worse off. And it’s also a pretty sad commentary on us pilgrims, I think.

 

[OzAnnie]

Sad news, Nely closes her albergue in Almería, La Estrella del Camino. Here's her message: Donativo doesn't work: recent pilgrims were leaving not more than €2 . And that includes breakfast! In February, she started asking €20 per person, and someone reported her to the authorities because she hasn't got a private albergue license. Nely is an angel of the Camino, and it's sad that walkers have taken her generosity, kindness and good heart for granted.

Talk about ‘biting the hand ‘. I’m appalled at some people with expectations .
Nely is truly is one of the best.

 

[alexwalker]

Not only did Nely open her home, she made dinner for pilgrims, gave them breakfast, picked them up from the airport, took them to pilgrim mass, took them on a tour of the city, gave them snacks to take on the way, incurred the costs of hot water for showers, etc, and as AJ points out, there were some/many who just wouldn’t give.

Mercedes showed me a screen shot of a WhatsApp message she recently received telling her that her guide was not correct, because it stated that the albergue at Nely’s house was donativo when in fact she charged 20€. I understand the important public policies behind the distinction between “donativo” and “private albergue”, but I think what it means in this case is that the Mozárabe is worse off. And it’s also a pretty sad commentary on us pilgrims, I think.

Disgusting, really. I am ashamed on behalf of the "pilgrims". A "cheap holiday" has become more "expensive".

 

[Antnix1]

Donativo doesn't work: recent pilgrims were leaving not more than €2 . And that includes breakfast! In February, she started asking €20 per person, and someone reported her to the authorities because she hasn't got a private albergue license.

Nely is an angel of the Camino, and it's sad that walkers have taken her generosity, kindness and good heart for granted.

Sadly, very strict rules about donativo vs a mandatory donation ie charge. I believe the rules are you can't even suggest a donation amount.

I can also understand the annoyance of the almeria to granada's realisation that the donations aren't adding up, especially given the recent incident of the 2 girls doing a stretch of "the camino" backwards from cordoba to almeria and expecting to use the donativo albergues. (There's a thread on it). But I can see why the society's response was quite strongly worded in this context.

I stayed in Nelly's and had a nice experience.
I'd comment that I did notice the mandatory €20 "donation" and wondered was it the "done thing" in a place as bureaucratic as spain. So that answers that. But I think the real villain is the person who reported her in the first place.

I'm familiar with another albergue owner whose colleagues are plagued with freeloaders, who even have Facebook groups advising each other of donativos where they can stay for "free".

 

[Anniesantiago]

Such a shame

 

[dougfitz]

Sad news, Nely closes her albergue in Almería, La Estrella del Camino.

Sad news indeed.

 

[BlackRocker57]

Sad news, Nely closes her albergue in Almería, La Estrella del Camino.

Here's her message:


Donativo doesn't work: recent pilgrims were leaving not more than €2 . And that includes breakfast! In February, she started asking €20 per person, and someone reported her to the authorities because she hasn't got a private albergue license.

Nely is an angel of the Camino, and it's sad that walkers have taken her generosity, kindness and good heart for granted.

so sad but I understand exactly why she has taken this positiin

 

[Former member 104756]

As everyone else has said, that is a terrible shame. But totally understandable. I haven't walked that section of the Mozarabe, but I have read wonderful accounts of Nely and others. Sadly I think this is not uncommon. My own experience of chatting with owners and volunteers at donativo gites and albergues over the years is that the 'average' donation is appalling low, little more than a handful of euros - the last quoted to me was a season average of 3 euros pp and that was for dinner, bed and breakfast!!

We know there are people who genuinely cannot afford to donate more than a few euros, if that, but I doubt that accounts for many. But we also know that many give at least as much (or more) than they would pay in a non -donativo. So it shows how little the other pilgrims are donating on average. Shameful indeed.

I wrote on another thread that I recently translated a notice for a donativo gite on the Le Puy Way. I didn't ask but I think the impetus for the 'new paragraph' was the appallingly low donations last year. The sign stated upfront and strongly that all were welcome irrespective of whether or not they were able to donate. There was then information about time of vespers for those who wanted to attend, dinner, lights out, breakfast etc. And later a paragraph designed for those who were able to pay but not knowing what amount to offer ... The translation was:

'Our volunteer hospitaliers and managers give their time and care freely, but the maintenance of the gite and offering of meals comes at a cost. We estimate the cost for dinner, overnight stay and breakfast is around 22 euros per pilgrim.'

I thought this was a useful and sensitive way to give some context to those staying in the gite who could afford to pay but wondering how much to contribute. The donation box was entirely 'private'. There was no way of knowing who had contributed what.

Perhaps that would encourage those who are still under the misapprehension that 'donativo' means free, or close to it. But, maybe it wouldn't make any difference. Sigh.

 

[Troy9119]

Sad news, Nely closes her albergue in Almería, La Estrella del Camino.

Here's her message:


Donativo doesn't work: recent pilgrims were leaving not more than €2 . And that includes breakfast! In February, she started asking €20 per person, and someone reported her to the authorities because she hasn't got a private albergue license.

Nely is an angel of the Camino, and it's sad that walkers have taken her generosity, kindness and good heart for granted.

Very sad. I was just there 9 days ago and had no problem with the E20. She provided so much needed information regarding the Almeria to Granada legs. She will be missed.

 

[camino_rooky]

We are so sad to hear that Nely has had to close her Albergue in Almería. Myself and my husband had the pleasure of staying with her at the start of our Camino Mozarabe last October. I have never met a more welcoming hostess. As well as escorting us through the city the next morning she was always at the end of the phone to help access the next day's albergue or when there wasn't an albergue to advise on alternative accommodation. The Camino Mozarabe from Almería will not be the same without her. Thank you, Nely, for everything

 

[Paul_Garland]

In a facebook comment earlier today, Nely emphasises that she will continue to provide information, advice and credentials.

 

[gordon1]

Not only did Nely open her home, she made dinner for pilgrims, gave them breakfast, picked them up from the airport, took them to pilgrim mass, took them on a tour of the city, gave them snacks to take on the way, incurred the costs of hot water for showers, etc, and as AJ points out, there were some/many who just wouldn’t give.

Mercedes showed me a screen shot of a WhatsApp message she recently received telling her that the Association guide was not correct, because it stated that the albergue at Nely’s house was donativo when in fact she charged 20€. I understand the important public policies behind the distinction between “donativo” and “private albergue”, but I think what it means in this case is that the Mozárabe is worse off. And it’s also a pretty sad commentary on us pilgrims, I think.

Very sad but last year i wondered exactly how many persons were pilgrims. When I spoke to some people it was clear what mattered to them on their journey.

 

[Terenia]

Sad news, Nely closes her albergue in Almería, La Estrella del Camino.

Here's her message:


Donativo doesn't work: recent pilgrims were leaving not more than €2 . And that includes breakfast! In February, she started asking €20 per person, and someone reported her to the authorities because she hasn't got a private albergue license.

Nely is an angel of the Camino, and it's sad that walkers have taken her generosity, kindness and good heart for granted.

I stayed at Neli's albergue in October 2023 and I used her help during my hike from Almeria to Granada. Considering what she had done for the thousands of pilgrims who started the camino at her place, she is the kindest hospitalera I have ever met. I walked a few caminos in Spain and Portugal and some hospitaleros should have not been allowed to volunteer on the camino.
I am also a hospitalera and last September I volunteered at the albergue in Salamanca (Casa La Calera Pilgrims’ Hostel). The albergue is located right next to the Huerto de Calixto y Melibea (in the heart of the historical downtown of Salamanca) and yes, it is run by the volunteers and by donativo offerings.
As a pilgrim I welcome the great opportunity to have an option to pay by donativo. As a hospitalera I am appalled by the pilgrims who don't pay, translating a donativo pay to free stay***. I also understand that some pilgrims may not be able to pay 20 euros for the night but then where do they stay if there is no albergue by donativo and the private albergues charge 15 - 20 euros plus per night with NO food.
*** this comment refers to the pilgrims who can afford to pay but elect not to do it.

 

[CWBuff]

But I think the real villain is the person who reported her in the first place.

IMHO the villain(s) are those who shamlessly took advantage of the situation to begin with. As far as the snitches go - there always be some no matter what we do.

 

[C clearly]

IMHO the villain(s) are those who shamlessly took advantage of the situation to begin with.

Agreed.

As far as the snitches go - there always be some no matter what we do.

It does nobody any good to start name-calling and implying bad intentions for people and circumstances we know very little about.

 

[LTfit]

Although I have yet to meet Nely, I have, as others, heard about her generosity. I'm posting to present a different point of view and this is coming from an experienced volunteer hospitalera at donativo albergues run by HOSVOL and a previous owner of an Albergue Turistico along the Frances. The albergue is a donativo or it is not. In my opinion there is no in between. To say you are a donativo but give even a suggested amount is not right. Yes, I know how horrendous donations may be but it is the principle. To me this is very clear.

Albergue owners with a Albergue Turistico or other official status have to follow a ton of regulations which are not free. Health and Safety inspectors visit several times a year to inspect the premises and you need to prove that you have followed all regulations such as yearly fumigation by an official company, enough fire extinguishers in place which are also tested yearly etc etc. What I mean to say here is that a non-profit donativo albergue does not have to follow such regulations. Anyone can open their home as Nely and provide a service to pilgrims but that does not mean that you can ask a fee in return. I don't know the details of her status but I am pretty sure that she did not have to jump through the hoops of local government administrators. We all know of donativo albergues who have reached the same conclusion as Nely. A shame yes, but in this particular case asking any amount, let alone 20 euros does not fly in my books.

Now you can shoot me.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@LTfit , you raise some very good points.

As a New Zealander the donativo concept is far from new: we have the Maori concept of 'Koha' which is basically the same. (Although I am unsure if the Donativo concept is cultural, legal, or both?).

It's a tricky concept for some non-Maori. It's not unusual nowadays for people to suggest or even demand a certain amount, however not only does this open you up to tax implications, it is culturally inappropriate.

A couple of exerts from a recent article:

"Koha is where you offer a gift out of respect or gratitude but what you give is not stipulated or predetermined.
Because koha is a token of your gratitude, it reflects the level of gratitude you have for what you have received but just because it isn’t stipulated what should be given in exchange, doesn’t mean to say you just give whatever you can.
The idea is that you give from whatever resources you have while still ensuring it meets the appropriate value."

The emphasis is mine. Just like Nelly's unfortunate situation, it is not unusual for people who misunderstand the concept to give insufficient Koha, which can result in the person either ceasing to offer their services, or introducing a set fee which is inevitably higher (because of the significant extra compliance costs , taxation etc you have alluded to above).

Either way all those that come after, lose.

I rather like the guidelines given in the post by @Pelerina above, I have heard of similar ideas posted in Donativos. Offering no guidelines at all simply promotes the misconception by many that it is supported by the church or some such. I've commented on this before in other similar threads. Education is key.

The only positive I can see in all of this is that perhaps it will now give somebody in the village the opportunity to open a guest house or albergue.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Very sad but last year i wondered exactly how many persons were pilgrims. When I spoke to some people it was clear what mattered to them on their journey.

Welcome to the forum. As a newcomer, I appreciate that you may not be aware of all of the Forum rules. To help prevent any future misunderstandings I quote the following:

3) No arguments about who is a tourist and who is a “real" pilgrim. The forum is intended for all who are interested in the Camino. Please do not challenge the sincerity, intentions, or authenticity of another person’s Camino."

You may well be right, however it is not up to us to judge. We all walk for different reasons, whether they be secular or otherwise, and many who start with one purpose, find it transformed into something else.

 

[Pafayac]

Donativo doesn't work: recent pilgrims were leaving not more than €2

I do not understand how they dare to.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

perhaps it will now give somebody in the village the opportunity to open a guest house or albergue.

Almeria isn't a village. It's a large town/city that already has a range of tourist accommodations.

 

[Former member 104756]

Thank you @LTfit - as both a volunteer hospitalero and a former albergue owner - you can offer a (possibly) unique perspective. While I think the idea of offering some information can be helpful - as per the example I wrote about - it should not be necessary. Those walking camino paths who can afford to pay should be able to work out for themselves what is an appropriate amount based on other accommodations and services, not to mention the wealth of resources online. It's not that difficult to work out. For those who can afford to pay a reasonable amount - and don't - it seems what's lacking is the will and any concept of fairness, let alone generosity. Perhaps information / education will not change that.

* My italics on should - not a word I like to use but in this case exceptions can be made.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Almeria isn't a village. It's a large town/city that already has a range of tourist accommodations.

Thanks, I have yet to walk this Camino.

Does it actually have any Albergues or similar cheap accommodation ? If not, then my point remains

 

[Molly Cassidy]

Thanks, I have yet to walk this Camino.

Does it actually have any Albergues or similar cheap accommodation ? If not, then my point remains

I'm not sure, to be honest, I have only stayed there as a tourist in a hostal/pension.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Perhaps information / education will not change that.

For some, sadly, you're absolutely right.

However as I've commented in another thread I met a man on The Primitivo who initially only gave a five euro donativo. (A handful of us discussed this). When I asked why so little he responded that that was all that was expected, and that they got their funds from elsewhere. He also said that because the neighbors had donated the lettuce for the salad, why should he pay for it?
Because of my extensive reading here on the forum I was able to explain a little better how the system worked. (Not everyone is interested in or prepared to do that research.)
He had previously walked the Frances, and is to say the least quite well off. Just, in this instance, uneducated.

Yes, he volunteered to me later that he'd increased his donation. So I think education can help.

 

[dorrie]

Nely dankjewel. Je was een zeldzaam lieve en behulpzame hospitalerea. Ik vond het bewonderenswaardig hoe jij je privé leven en camino leven combineerde. Wat ontzettend jammer om te horen dat mensen hier misbruik van maakten . Donativo is een mooi en idealistisch concept, maar ik vraag me af of het nog bij deze tijd hoort...

Translation supplied by google chrome:

Thank you Nely. You were an exceptionally sweet and helpful hospitalerea. I thought it was admirable how you combined your private life and Camino life. What a shame to hear that people were taking advantage of this. Donativo is a beautiful and idealistic concept, but I wonder whether it still belongs to this time...

 

[Former member 104756]

So I think education can help.

Maybe a sign with a general statement explaining the concept of donativo - without mentioning any amount. I do think there are still some people who genuinely misunderstand the concept and still think donativo = free. I've even seen fairly recent comments on this forum indicating that misunderstanding. For those people, an explanation may educate as to what's 'reasonable' according to their circumstances. I wonder if Gronze and the various guidebooks and apps could provide this explanation. Maybe they already do ...?

Anyhoo, there are others, with first hand experience, who are more knowledgeable about the best approach.

 

[dougfitz]

Thanks, I have yet to walk this Camino.

Does it actually have any Albergues or similar cheap accommodation ? If not, then my point remains

See this listing from Gronze: https://www.gronze.com/etapa/almeria/rioja-almeria

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

See this listing from Gronze: https://www.gronze.com/etapa/almeria/rioja-almeria

So basically more business for those who make a living from it, and a sad loss to those who appreciated Nely .

 

[LTfit]

Thank you @LTfit - as both a volunteer hospitalero and a former albergue owner - you can offer a (possibly) unique perspective. While I think the idea of offering some information can be helpful - as per the example I wrote about - it should not be necessary. Those walking camino paths who can afford to pay should be able to work out for themselves what is an appropriate amount based on other accommodations and services, not to mention the wealth of resources online. It's not that difficult to work out. For those who can afford to pay a reasonable amount - and don't - it seems what's lacking is the will and any concept of fairness, let alone generosity. Perhaps information / education will not change that.

* My italics on should - not a word I like to usePonferr but in this case exceptions can be made.i

As you mention education is essentieel. I've volunteered twice in Ponferrada and a nice solution was a paper explaining the donativo concept. Korean was added which did make quite a difference as (what was explained to me by a Korean) the donativo concept is misunderstood.

 

[Adrian Harding 65]

Nely is truly a wonderful lady. She gave me a great start to my Mozarabe Camino two years ago, offering advice and support, and always with a huge smile. She takes her role seriously, but with joy, love and with total dedication. She genuinely cares, and loves to hear what progress you are making as you make your way to Santiago. I hope that she gets over this 'bump' quickly, and that it hasn't upset her too much. The world would be a much better place if it was filled with people like Nely.
So, what can we do to avoid a repeat of this unfortunate situation? Firstly, in all discussions with fellow Peregrinos/Peregrinas, we need to educate them that Donativo does not equal 'free', and discourage them from even thinking that way. Secondly, those of us who are lucky enough to have a few extra euros in our pockets should pay a bit more to compensate for those who genuinely struggle to pay (and I'm sure that there are very few of those) or those who should know better and choose to not pay. Let us take our inspiration from Nely, and make sure that we all play our part in making life a little bit better for all of us.

 

[debigetsout]

Sad news, Nely closes her albergue in Almería, La Estrella del Camino.

Here's her message:


Donativo doesn't work: recent pilgrims were leaving not more than €2 . And that includes breakfast! In February, she started asking €20 per person, and someone reported her to the authorities because she hasn't got a private albergue license.

Nely is an angel of the Camino, and it's sad that walkers have taken her generosity, kindness and good heart for granted.

Nely is a gem! Let's hope that she finds a way to make things work, and is able to carry on with her Albergue in the future. That said, her level of support for peregrinos is extraordinary, and I wonder how she can keep that up, given the increasing popularity of the CM.