- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances SJPP to SdC Oct/Nov 2015
Frances Burgos toSdC March/April 2016
W. Highland Way August 2016
Camino Somewhere September 2017
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I've used backpack transport every year on the CF the past few years, and luckily, so far no issues.
I use Caminofacil and I pay up front for the entire trip, saving a bit.
I think it's important to caution people to never put anything in your transported pack that you cannot afford to lose.
Carry any electronics, cash, passport, etc with you at ALL times.
There isn't a lot of theft along the Camino, but as it gets more and more popular, like anywhere, the thieves do look for opportunities.
I will also emphasize that the workers at Santa Maria where quite rude and unhelpful.
Santa Maria is not the Benedictine convent is it?
The people there were wonderful to us?
Not sure why you think they need good press, but go for it. I won't stay there again.
There may be other reasons why they are "afraid" of making a report to the police. For one, that it's of no practical use: figure out who stole the pack ?Honestly, they are quite nice until there's a problem. Then, you will see a different situation. Our understanding is that there have been many thefts there before. They are afraid of the police at this point.
I think I will see what it would take t volunteer there. It is a place that needs help.@Anniesantiago -
Yep - Benedictine convent, it is!
I felt pretty bad about my experience there as I highly respect the Benedictine order. Well, most nuns actually since they were a large part of my education.
It was a couple of the lay helpers (men) who were just downright nasty at every turn.
But, you had a great experience of staying there?
Do tell, they could use some positive press, I think. And, you might convert me into giving them another try!
B
There may be other reasons why they are "afraid" of making a report to the police. For one, that it's of no practical use: figure out who stole the pack ?
The issue of pack forwarding with various organisations like Jacotrans can be debated as being efficient (probably 99 %) or disgusting (1% ?). The problem is that very often these backpacks can only be deposited at predetermined locations (albergues), where the albergue hospitaleros do not (and obviously cannot) accept responsibility for packs which are supposed to be collected by people who stay in other places. It would mean checking the labels, show identification, refuse third party collection, etc. The system is working on a trust basis. There is no insurance for lost or misled items. Everybody is doing his/her best to make it work. As soon as problems crop up, if they can easily be solved, they will be. If not: no point calling the police, who will also be at a loss.
Your kindness would certainly be helpful there. That said, there is a real atmosphere of police state. Hospitaleras is clapping hands loudly, grabbing people by the hand and arms to move them around, glaring and acting angry to make people move. They do need a lot of help.I think I will see what it would take t volunteer there. It is a place that needs help.
I think I will see what it would take t volunteer there. It is a place that needs help.
I think the good Pope would be very well served to walk as a pilgrim. Enjoy your walk out, as this can be chalked up as a test. From this point on your pilgrimage will just get more interesting.Your kindness would certainly be helpful there. That said, there is a real atmosphere of police state. Hospitaleras is clapping hands loudly, grabbing people by the hand and arms to move them around, glaring and acting angry to make people move. They do need a lot of help.
my only experience here in Spain – – and currently I am sitting in a café having a drink while walking out of Leon! – –that was negative was with a place supposedly run by Benedictine nuns! There was one older nun walking around smiling benevolently,
As an hotelkeeper of many years standing I would suggest that the reception, and therefore the care of guests luggage, is a service that is offered and in fact paid for.
If I was a guest whose luggage was stolen the Police would be called. This is not a proceedure to be followed at management's discretion!
Management, being nuns, paid workers or volunteers would receive a complaint delivered at a high decible level.
Experience would suggest that the albergue is being operated by a group of incompetents.
Regards
Gerard
Your kindness would certainly be helpful there. That said, there is a real atmosphere of police state. Hospitaleras is clapping hands loudly, grabbing people by the hand and arms to move them around, glaring and acting angry to make people move. They do need a lot of help.
my only experience here in Spain – – and currently I am sitting in a café having a drink while walking out of Leon! – –that was negative was with a place supposedly run by Benedictine nuns! There was one older nun walking around smiling benevolently,
This is NOT a hotel, it is a pilgrim albergue and pilgrims are lucky to have a place to sleep out of the weather, in my opinion. The cost here is minimal, and there still ARE albergues that will not allow a pilgrim to stay if they've used bag transport. This could very well be a good reason why. There are not enough volunteers to assign someone to sit and be a watchdog for backpacks that have come in. If a person is that concerned about their pack, they might want to consider a hotel or hostel where there is a receptionist.
I also would remind people that this is the end of the season.
In Spring, when everybody is fresh, they are also happy to see the pilgrims.
By the end of the season, I imagine pilgrims feel more like locusts.
The locals are weary of their demands and just want them all to go home.
That's just my take on it - not saying it's true...
And nuns... well, if you grew up in Catholic school you know... :::laughing:::
I had a great experience there in May this year. In fact I was allowed stay 2 nights because I was limping badly with tendonitis. A Spanish hospitalero, Carlos saw me limping and insisted on treating my foot with aromatherapy oils for at least 30 minutes in the courtyard. It really helped and I was able to walk on again after a days rest. I will definitely stay there again.BTW - - I would LOVE to hear from anyone who had a great experience there...and when.
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