Not timely and with apologies

[Tio Huero]

I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings or sense of loyalty but here goes. I arrived in St Jean late in the evening last September. The pilgrim office was closed and the albuergue just across the street was full. The one just next door had vacancies so I decided to check it out.

The owner had me remove my shoes. Strict rule she said. I took off my shoes and stepped inside and was immediately assaulted by the most pungent attack of cat urine fumes I've ever experienced. I started backing out as quickly as possible and when the woman asked why I mumbled something about cats.

Yes, she had cats, seven of them. No shoes allowed, but a herd of cats? No problem.

I should have posted this sooner and I'm kinda surprised no one has mentioned it before. Maybe I'm just over sensitive.

I don't know the name of the albuergue. It was across from the pilgrim office and toward the Camino end of town.

There. I've vented.

 

[Yallah]

Yep, Sur le Chemin - Au Chant du Coq, strange place. I ended up there on my first camino. The hospitalera informed me that no one was allowed to leave until 7am! She is indeed strict about the shoes, you're not even allowed to wear flip flops in the shower!

So where did you end up sleeping?

 

[sharmuk]

It's a handy warning for those with cat allergies. Thanks.

 

[Tio Huero]

I walked down the street a few doors and found a home that had a room for rent sign. It turned out to be creaky, but otherwise clean and quiet. A great sleep and an early start across the mountains the next morning.