Villafranca de Los Barros

[mla1]

The albergue Tierra de Barros is closed for renovation. The albergue Extranatura was apparently so cold that one young English man packed up around 5:00 pm and moved to Albergue El Carmen.

 

[Hikoi]

I was in Albergue Carmen last night. It's not so tropical either, but there is a remarkable round table that you can cosy up to. It has a sort of skirt and I think a gas heater underneath! I confess I was checking out fire escapes, but as someone remarked it had probably been going for years!

 

[peregrina2000]

The albergue Tierra de Barros is closed for renovation. The albergue Extranatura was apparently so cold that one young English man packed up around 5:00 pm and moved to Albergue El Carmen.

Oh, Mary Louise,
I wish I had thought to recommend the Casa Perin. It has a CR or P (Casa rural or pension) designation, but she (at least she used to) lets out rooms at albergue prices. The woman who owns it, along with several other local people, had been smeared by the mayor and others because of their opposition to the pipeline. I don't know what has happened to that controversy now, but it was a huge deal back when I walked, maybe 5-6 years ago. I remember this place fondly because this is where my pack, my clothes, and me were all treated for bedbugs, which I probably got in Zafra's albergue. The ex-army sergeant I was walking with had had a lot of experience with chinches from the army, so I spent the afternoon lounging on the terrace roof, while he and the Casa Perin owner took care of everything. Anyway, it used to be the go-to place before all the albergues. Highly recommended for anyone coming behind ML.

Glad to hear you are well!

 

[mla1]

Hi Laurie- I tried Casa Perin first but she was completo. So then I tried the Tierra de Barros and the neighbours came out to tell me that the obviously under construction building was not accepting guests. And then I went back down to Albergue Carmen where I spent few hours beside the wood stove with my feet under the heater table (which I loved!).
And yes - so far so good. I pretended I was you () and did three big etapes in a row, which I learned could be fine with a bit less water everywhere! Even my almost always happy feet got a blister. But it's fine now.
Tonight in the parochial in Fuenterroble. I have one more layer of clothes if necessary.
Cheers
ml

 

[LTfit]

@mla1 Could do me a favor once you are a bit further up north? Reb told me about a relatively new project/albergue in Riego del Camino (after Montamarta and before Granja). Could you stop by and check it out? There is otherwise nothing in the town to write home about. There is a municipal which is adequate but very basic and a "store" with basic items which will open up for pilgrims (at least when I went through last time).

Burn Camino!