LenaOnTheRoad
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances 2013, Camino Portugues 2013, Via de la Plata 2016
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Going by my own experience at Rabanal (where there were four of us on duty):Hi everyone,
as all the other threads on this topic are quite old, I thought I would start a new one with several questions on volunteering:
1) In General, how many hours is a hospitalero/volunteer expected to "work"? Half a day? Full day? Would one be able to work 3-4 hours per day in their real job (online)? Or would say that is difficult to manage, as there are always people arriving and you would miss half of the experience if you would "disappear" for 4 hours?
2) What is the deal about accomodation and food? Is it free for the volunteer?
3) To those who did this already: Was it a geat experience or was it a bit boring as the people change every day? is there an albergue that you would recommend as it a was super nice place?
4) Is there a platform/group for albergues looking for volunteers?
5) What are the tasks of a volunteers? I assume cleaning, shopping, cooking and the reception? Or are there more tasks?
Each advice is much appreciated!
Lena
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. That sounds rough. I hoped it was more like with other volunteer oportunities (Work Away or Woofing), where you work 20-25 hours per week and can enjoy the rest your time..I guess, that's not for me then..Going by my own experience at Rabanal (where there were four of us on duty):
1. We worked generally from about 06:00 until 12:00 first serving breakfast then clearing away the breakfast things, cleaning rooms, washing bedding, unblocking toilets etc. then broke for lunch. Pilgrims would start arriving around 10:30 but were not allowed in (it was July and hot so they'd set off early). Somebody has to do all the paperwork, accounting and correspondence with the CJS, writing to people who had sponsored the refugio that week.
From 13:30 until 22:00 you'd be ministering to pilgrims' needs - booking them in, showing them to their beds etc. At 22:00 we'd prepare the kitchen for the next day's breakfast and lock the kitchen door ready to start over the next day.
I suppose you could fit your "real job" in between 22:00 and 06:00 at night but you can't really expect colleagues to shoulder your chores while there's work to be done.
We took one day off each week usually catching the bus into Astorga and combined that with bringing in supplies not available in the one shop that was there in those days or the travelling household goods van or the baker's van. I was there for two and a half weeks, I only took the one day off.
2. At Rabanal we shared two to a room in the hospitalero wing on the first floor. The CSJ paid for one meal a day taken at either the Posada or Tonio's. You paid your own breakfasts and lunches as well as fares there and back.
3. It was a blast! A bit "Groundhog Day" in that you do the same thing over and over again every day; and it was different from walking the Camino in that you usually only saw pilgrims once (unless you had somebody in the sickbay) rather than building up a day by day relationship with them.
4. Various national groups like the American Association of Pilgrims fill slots. Rabanal is run by the Confederation of Saint James in London.
5. You are there to work, it is not a holiday. Yes, you prepare meals, scrub floors, help with blistered feet, listen to pilgrim experiences, offer condolences and encouragement - there is always something to be done.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. That sounds rough. I hoped it was more like with other volunteer oportunities (Work Away or Woofing), where you work 20-25 hours per week and can enjoy the rest your time..I guess, that's not for me then..
You have great replies above. I would remove the inverted commas from "work". It is very real! Thanks for the new learning in your own response to the replies - I had not known that woofing was what duckduckgo told me it is. I thought it had something to do with distorted music, the kind people like to share through car windows.Hi everyone,
as all the other threads on this topic are quite old, I thought I would start a new one with several questions on volunteering:
1) In General, how many hours is a hospitalero/volunteer expected to "work"? Half a day? Full day? Would one be able to work 3-4 hours per day in their real job (online)? Or would say that is difficult to manage, as there are always people arriving and you would miss half of the experience if you would "disappear" for 4 hours?
2) What is the deal about accomodation and food? Is it free for the volunteer?
3) To those who did this already: Was it a geat experience or was it a bit boring as the people change every day? is there an albergue that you would recommend as it a was super nice place?
4) Is there a platform/group for albergues looking for volunteers?
5) What are the tasks of a volunteers? I assume cleaning, shopping, cooking and the reception? Or are there more tasks?
Each advice is much appreciated!
Lena
Not rough but immensely satisfying and rewarding.Thank you so much for sharing your experience. That sounds rough. I hoped it was more like with other volunteer oportunities (Work Away or Woofing), where you work 20-25 hours per week and can enjoy the rest your time..I guess, that's not for me then..
I've volunteered 6 times through HOSVOL and although I speak fluent Spanish, I was always placed with a Spanish volunteer. That said, they usually did not speak any other language! They were very happy to let me sign in the pilgrims as I speak 4 languages.I would like to do this and give a little back but I don't think my command of Spanish is good enough. Can someone comment on how much fluency in Spanish is required. Thanks.
Lena, 1) it will depend on where your being a Hospitalero and what time zone you work in. The schedule at the albergue will be set. Disappearing for four hours should be on your own time, before or after that. 2) Every albergue will be different, from my experience there will be limited or wonderful kitchens. I haven't experienced free food. Sometime a budget is provided. 3)Never boring because there are always things to fix, clean or cook.(recommendations withheld) 4) this forum will know where help is needed. Training is required. 5) The tasks can be endless and joyous. We've volunteered at Salamance, Estella, Ribadiso and Pilgrim House in Santiago, We are returning to Ribadiso in September.Hi everyone,
as all the other threads on this topic are quite old, I thought I would start a new one with several questions on volunteering:
1) In General, how many hours is a hospitalero/volunteer expected to "work"? Half a day? Full day? Would one be able to work 3-4 hours per day in their real job (online)? Or would say that is difficult to manage, as there are always people arriving and you would miss half of the experience if you would "disappear" for 4 hours?
2) What is the deal about accomodation and food? Is it free for the volunteer?
3) To those who did this already: Was it a geat experience or was it a bit boring as the people change every day? is there an albergue that you would recommend as it a was super nice place?
4) Is there a platform/group for albergues looking for volunteers?
5) What are the tasks of a volunteers? I assume cleaning, shopping, cooking and the reception? Or are there more tasks?
Each advice is much appreciated!
Lena
I don't know where you did your training but those of us living in Europe could not pick and choose although a 1, 2 and 3 preference was asked. Usually you are placed where someone is needed.IGiven the constraints on time has anybody worked in Santiago, or SJPP, Pampalona, Leon, Burgos, and did you have the time to sight see and be a tourist.
Gracias!Finally, I like to thank those who have been hospitaleros you are a shining light on the camino and make a big difference to all pilgrims. Buen Camino!
Because you are cheap/free labourThat being said, there are many privados which are able to be far more flexible that the municipals and parrochials etc. They'll take you without training and will gladly give you the time you need to do your own stuff, by prior arrangement. So keep your hospitalera dream alive
If you have taken the training, just tell Anai when you are available a few she will place you in a place appropriate for a new hospitalero. You must work either the first or last half of the month.I have just completed the Hospitalero training and would love to hear advice and tips from other Hospitaleros. I am not sure, when I will take the plunge, maybe this Fall (mid October November, or next year) From reading above, its sounds very busy. Can anybody recommend an Albergue that they really enjoyed, and why? Given the constraints on time has anybody worked in Santiago, or SJPP, Pampalona, Leon, Burgos, and did you have the time to sight see and be a tourist. Finally, I like to thank those who have been hospitaleros you are a shining light on the camino and make a big difference to all pilgrims. Buen Camino!
Hi Lena, if you become a hospitalera, you commit to a two-week session. You work with another hospitalera(o). The sessions start at the first and 16th day of a month. You work all day because you are are responsible for running an albergue. Italy is the country that allows one-week volunteering session.Hi everyone,
as all the other threads on this topic are quite old, I thought I would start a new one with several questions on volunteering:
1) In General, how many hours is a hospitalero/volunteer expected to "work"? Half a day? Full day? Would one be able to work 3-4 hours per day in their real job (online)? Or would say that is difficult to manage, as there are always people arriving and you would miss half of the experience if you would "disappear" for 4 hours?
2) What is the deal about accomodation and food? Is it free for the volunteer?
3) To those who did this already: Was it a geat experience or was it a bit boring as the people change every day? is there an albergue that you would recommend as it a was super nice place?
4) Is there a platform/group for albergues looking for volunteers?
5) What are the tasks of a volunteers? I assume cleaning, shopping, cooking and the reception? Or are there more tasks?
Each advice is much appreciated!
Lena
I cannot speak Spanish, so when I was a hospitalera and a guest only spoke Spanish, there was always someone - a guest or the other hospitalero/a - who could translate or explain when necessary. Often, by the time the pilgrims reach your albergue, they are familiar with the routines and don't need much translation. Sometimes the information for the guests was written in several languages. Many pilgrims, especially young ones, can speak English. It wasn't the problem that I thought it might be.I would like to do this and give a little back but I don't think my command of Spanish is good enough. Can someone comment on how much fluency in Spanish is required. Thanks.
As an add-on to the original posting, what is this training of which many of you speak?
On my first visit to Rabanal I met Dr Pinkerton who then ran the hospitalero side of the CSJ. She told me to get in touch with her once I'd completed my Camino.
Back in London I was invited to lunch at Christ Church where potential hospitaleros were told about the set up:
Where to eat
The important members of the community
The day to day events
We picked the time we wanted to go
and that was it.
The following year we were invited back to air our comments on the experience.
I'm now intrigued as to what constitutes "training".
Jeff, let me try to share my understanding. The training: normally Hosvol has a training for new volunteers, not for the two csj albergues, though, as they are staffed independently. It is normal to attend a training session either in Spain or in an associated country that offers an approved training. From your own experience you can imagine the content: in its essence it is about attitude, and the attitude is - how to be of service to the pilgrims who come along. Not any different to the csj albergues, I would imagine. (I know little about the csj albergues beyond the afternoon tea offerings! )As an add-on to the original posting, what is this training of which many of you speak?
On my first visit to Rabanal I met Dr Pinkerton who then ran the hospitalero side of the CSJ. She told me to get in touch with her once I'd completed my Camino.
Back in London I was invited to lunch at Christ Church where potential hospitaleros were told about the set up:
Where to eat
The important members of the community
The day to day events
We picked the time we wanted to go
and that was it.
The following year we were invited back to air our comments on the experience.
I'm now intrigued as to what constitutes "training".
Thank you for your excellent account of the training course you undertook to become a hospitalera.One of the points you listed was listening to the pilgrims and not telling your own stories.I remember this point was emphasised at a training course I did in Le Puy en Velay in 2012 to be a hospitalière , volunteer in donativo gîtes in France.It was a privilege to volunteer there and in Guacelmo Rabanal del Camino and Miraz.The training HosVol provided in the US is based on the Spanish approved version. In fact, Spanish hospitaleros came to the US to do training for the first few years until trainers could be established. Canada and other countries have their own Spanish approved training.
It includes practice sessions on cooking with pilgrims in groups (you cook a communal meal together), shopping, practice on special situations which might come up (people traveling with horses or donkeys, people wanting to bring in dogs, drunk and disruptive pilgrims, etc), cleaning, bed bug issues, first aid, singing and music, and learning how to be hospitable with pilgrims (offering cool water or a hot drink at check in weather dependant as an example).
You also practice listening. You are the rock in the river around which pilgrims flow. Your job is to listen-- not tell your own stories. Your job is to look out for the sick, help the injured, give information about the future stage (fountains, stores/bars open, things to see or landmarks), and how to help pilgrims who ask to light their packs. It is pilgrimage in place.
I love this description. Beautiful.You also practice listening. You are the rock in the river around which pilgrims flow.
In Australia, the Australian friends of the Camino, run courses on volunteering( a couple of days). It is mostly commonsense, but it does give accreditation that the organisations in Spain recognise.As an add-on to the original posting, what is this training of which many of you speak?
On my first visit to Rabanal I met Dr Pinkerton who then ran the hospitalero side of the CSJ. She told me to get in touch with her once I'd completed my Camino.
Back in London I was invited to lunch at Christ Church where potential hospitaleros were told about the set up:
Where to eat
The important members of the community
The day to day events
We picked the time we wanted to go
and that was it.
The following year we were invited back to air our comments on the experience.
I'm now intrigued as to what constitutes "training".
Yes, it does sound rough. I would never do it. I don't do any of that at home so can't imagine doing it elsewhere.Thank you so much for sharing your experience. That sounds rough. I hoped it was more like with other volunteer oportunities (Work Away or Woofing), where you work 20-25 hours per week and can enjoy the rest your time..I guess, that's not for me then..
Well, I would do it and love it if if wasn't the whole day.Yes, it does sound rough. I would never do it. I don't do any of that at home so can't imagine doing it elsewhere.
Probably there are. But the question is: How find them? All the websites and groups I found so far, are about these public or christian or donativo albergues, where the volunteer is asked to work all day.Don't give up so easily ... There are hostels which are more relaxed and flexible than those so far described, where an austere and disciplined approach is applied to volunteer hospitaleros and pilgrims alike.
I'm certain you can find the conditions you seek in these hostels, and it's a pity in my view that the more formal hostels whose regimens have been described are unwilling to moderate their strict rules-based approach.
I have to agree. All day seems a bit much. Where were you in Central America? I live in Guatemala.Thank you all for your comments and feedback about your experience! This has helped me a lot in my decision. I already have done 3 caminos myself and have met a lot of volunteers. Thank you for your great work!
I traveled the world by being a volunteer (Workaway and Woofing) and that were the best 3 years of my life. Much better than normal, tourusic traveling. But it was always fair, that means half of day of work in exchange for food and a private accomodation. I learned how to sail, how permaculture works, vegetarin cooking, lived with different families and cultures, on boats, in schools, on farms, In Asia, Australia, Central and South Amercia. And I always worked for 20-25 hours per week. Which is a fair exchange, I think.
Working all day long in exchange for a bunk bed doesn't seem so fair to me.
I was a volunteer in 2013 (Najera) and 2019(Alfaro), prompted by a compulsion to give something back in return for the hospitality which I had experienced while doing my own Caminos. And a curiosity about what I now call the 'freedom of service'. In giving without measuring or counting, I received riches beyond measure in return. Cleaning a toilet can be a prayer/meditation, when one is doing it as a choice. I had rarely stayed in a private albergue on my previous Caminos, and I was often struck by the patience and kindness which met me at the end of a long day. It suggested another way of being, which could not be bought, sold or exchanged. While volunteering, my bed at night was a place to rest so that I could begin again in the morning. It was hard work physically, but I got a lot of serenity from the experience. I will be back to do it again. Last month I was on the Camino, walking from A Coruna to Santiago, and I was delighted to receive the same care and dedication from the volunteers at the municipal albergues at Carral and Bruma. Lena, it might be worth reading a post on Camino hospitality by Rebekah Scott in 2017, somewhere on this site because this kind of hospitality may become a distant memory.Thank you all for your comments and feedback about your experience! This has helped me a lot in my decision. I already have done 3 caminos myself and have met a lot of volunteers. Thank you for your great work!
I traveled the world by being a volunteer (Workaway and Woofing) and that were the best 3 years of my life. Much better than normal, tourusic traveling. But it was always fair, that means half of day of work in exchange for food and a private accomodation. I learned how to sail, how permaculture works, vegetarin cooking, lived with different families and cultures, on boats, in schools, on farms, In Asia, Australia, Central and South Amercia. And I always worked for 20-25 hours per week. Which is a fair exchange, I think.
Working all day long in exchange for a bunk bed doesn't seem so fair to me.
I was a volunteer in 2013 (Najera) and 2019(Alfaro), prompted by a compulsion to give something back in return for the hospitality which I had experienced while doing my own Caminos. And a curiosity about what I now call the 'freedom of service'. In giving without measuring or counting, I received riches beyond measure in return. Cleaning a toilet can be a prayer/meditation, when one is doing it as a choice. I had rarely stayed in a private albergue on my previous Caminos, and I was often struck by the patience and kindness which met me at the end of a long day. It suggested another way of being, which could not be bought, sold or exchanged. While volunteering, my bed at night was a place to rest so that I could begin again in the morning. It was hard work physically, but I got a lot of serenity from the experience. I will be back to do it again. Last month I was on the Camino, walking from A Coruna to Santiago, and I was delighted to receive the same care and dedication from the volunteers at the municipal albergues at Carral and Bruma. Lena, it might be worth reading a post on Camino hospitality by Rebekah Scott in 2017, somewhere on this site because this kind of hospitality may become a distant memory.
Can you provide additional information, websites etc. I would love to take advantage of a program like this.Thank you all for your comments and feedback about your experience! This has helped me a lot in my decision. I already have done 3 caminos myself and have met a lot of volunteers. Thank you for your great work!
I traveled the world by being a volunteer (Workaway and Woofing) and that were the best 3 years of my life. Much better than normal, tourusic traveling. But it was always fair, that means half of day of work in exchange for food and a private accomodation. I learned how to sail, how permaculture works, vegetarin cooking, lived with different families and cultures, on boats, in schools, on farms, In Asia, Australia, Central and South Amercia. And I always worked for 20-25 hours per week. Which is a fair exchange, I think.
Working all day long in exchange for a bunk bed doesn't seem so fair to me.
https://www.workaway.info/ ; https://wwoof.org.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg6COhOmC-QIVOZBoCR3bpQieEAAYASAAEgJqXPD_BwECan you provide additional information, websites etc. I would love to take advantage of a program like this.
It is only two weeks, and it is very rewarding.Thank you all for your comments and feedback about your experience! This has helped me a lot in my decision. I already have done 3 caminos myself and have met a lot of volunteers. Thank you for your great work!
I traveled the world by being a volunteer (Workaway and Woofing) and that were the best 3 years of my life. Much better than normal, tourusic traveling. But it was always fair, that means half of day of work in exchange for food and a private accomodation. I learned how to sail, how permaculture works, vegetarin cooking, lived with different families and cultures, on boats, in schools, on farms, In Asia, Australia, Central and South Amercia. And I always worked for 20-25 hours per week. Which is a fair exchange, I think.
Working all day long in exchange for a bunk bed doesn't seem so fair to me.
Well said!I admire beyond measure the work of the people who've replied above, and I've stayed in some of the places they mention, all of which have a special quality that can't be easily defined but can never be forgotten. Thanks to the volunteer hospitaleras/os who not only do the work but also create that special atmosphere.
That's not at all what it's about. You're not getting something for free or in exchange for work, it's service.Working all day long in exchange for a bunk bed doesn't seem so fair to me.
Only seen from one angle.All day seems a bit much.
Thank you all for your comments and feedback about your experience! This has helped me a lot in my decision. I already have done 3 caminos myself and have met a lot of volunteers. Thank you for your great work!
I traveled the world by being a volunteer (Workaway and Woofing) and that were the best 3 years of my life. Much better than normal, tourusic traveling. But it was always fair, that means half of day of work in exchange for food and a private accomodation. I learned how to sail, how permaculture works, vegetarin cooking, lived with different families and cultures, on boats, in schools, on farms, In Asia, Australia, Central and South Amercia. And I always worked for 20-25 hours per week. Which is a fair exchange, I think.
Working all day long in exchange for a bunk bed doesn't seem so fair to me.
Thankfully they are not on, nor do not read this forum!I do feel very sorry for all those volunteers who you call " bossy ", " bullies " and " nasty ". Most of them do not read this forum and can't defend themselves.
Buen camino, Gerard.The relaxed and flexible approach to volunteering which the OP seeks can of course be found on the Camino. This is exactly the kind of hospitality many pilgrims seek, as opposed to the rigid rules-based in-by-ten, out-at-eight, one night only, no- smoking-on-the-terrace mode that prevails in many parrochials and municipals. I admire hospitaleros immensely and value their service highly. Most are saints, it's a privilege to be in their presence. But I don't find the imposition of rigid and often pointless disciplines and the finger-wagging way it's done to have anything to do with service to pilgrims. I do, however, like the relaxed and gentle approach in those chilled privados with their volunteer hospitaleros/as. From speaking to them it seems that they can choose a routine that suits them and the owners are cool with that It's clear that "real" hospitaleros are proud of the regime they face and impose, and look down on those who lack such. Why? I think the OP would fit in perfectly in such places and find just the kind of situation they want. I hate to say it, but some hospitaleros are bullies, some are just nasty. Others are bossy and self-righteous and holier than thou. Think of hospitality in the sense of inviting someone into your home. Do you greet them with a list of rules and reprimand them if they fall short? Kick them out at 8 am? Privados can clean effectively without requiring that pilgrims vacate the premises and are happy to let people stay another night. Is there a reason why municipals and parrochials cannot? Other than the belief that suffering is good for the soul, your own and other people's? Be nice to the pilgrims, for God's sake and give the rules and the toilsome sacrifices a rest.
Amen!...and well said!While I admire Gerard’s forthrightness, I think he has a very basic misunderstanding of why rules exist. They are not to make pilgrims suffer - in fact, they are to do the exact opposite: to provide for the comfort and benefit of the majority of pilgrims by not allowing a minority of them to take advantage of the situation.
Albergues have quiet/lights out times to allow pilgrims to rest, as a good night’s sleep is key to recuperation and a pilgrimage is about the journey, not late night partying. And yes, 8am may be early, but the volunteers need to clean and replenish the accommodation before reopening a few hours later while finally getting a few hours “off the clock” for personal needs. Hotels and hostels have similar hours and I’m not sure why Gerard thinks that albergues should be different. Without that time, there would be no toilet paper, coffee, fruit, etc as hospitaleros do all of that when the building is closed. In the village where I have volunteered, it’s a four hour walk or a faster but very specific one hour round trip bus journey to the nearest large supermarket - if pilgrims are not out by our closing hours, then I cannot be back to welcome new pilgrims in when we reopen six hours later.
We don’t allow smoking since pilgrims should be free from air pollution while resting, just as we wouldn’t allow music to blast or late night partying, not to mention fire safety concerns. The same goes for other rules that some seem as arbitrary (dogs, unregistered guests, locked doors at night), but exist for pilgrim comfort and safety. Pilgrims are asked to stay only only one night so that there is room for the next pilgrim who needs rest, but latitude does exist if the need arises (illness, inclement weather, etc).
Pilgrim Albergues exist for a very specific reason - to provide rest and support for those walking the Camino. If your needs are different than what they provide, then you are best served by finding accommodations better suited to what you are seeking. And while some volunteers fail to reach the ideal model of a hospitalero, none are seeking two weeks of non-paid service simply to be mean and “nasty” to travelers. If you run into those, give them the grace of forgiveness, ask if they need a helping hand, and if it’s truly a bad experience, contact the managing organization and let them know so they can address the issue.
We each have our own approach.
You are volunteers and peacemakers, and I applaud your thoughts and opinion; straight from the horse's mouth.There is room for both types of lodging and people on the CF are usually lucky enough to have lots of choices. Let's make peace.
but I don't find the imposition of rigid and often pointless disciplines and the finger-wagging way it's done to have anything to do with service to pilgrims.
As other have said, the rules are not pointless, but serve those who want rest and quiet at a reasonable hour. There are plenty of hotels, pensions, CRs, and open fields for anyone who wants to eat or party late, smoke indoors, or leave late.Be nice to the pilgrims, for God's sake and give the rules and the toilsome sacrifices a rest.
I do feel very sorry for all those volunteers who you call " bossy ", " bullies " and " nasty ". Most of them do not read this forum and can't defend themselves.
I feel very fortunate to be in the same parallel universe as you, Sabine. Where hospis and guidelines are appreciated and the camino is more about us/we than I/me.To all volunteers and hospis in parroquiales and municipales : I loved meeting you.
Keep up the good work. You all run a tight ship which I like
They must, but actually, I haven't yet, seven caminos and counting. I did once meet a couple who were hospis together who seemed to be in the throes of marital discord and it was pretty weird. But that was just flak. It wasn't directed at us pilgrims.Ah come on lads . . . you've all met them, and if not you soon will. They exist.
Thank you @Gerard Griffin, I totally agree with you. I love walking the camino, but I never understoood why it has to be such a serious and rigid thing. I would rather pay 10-15 Euros per night for a private albergue and have the freedome to get up when it suits me, than being in a place that feels like church (with all its rules and obligations and enforcement).The relaxed and flexible approach to volunteering which the OP seeks can of course be found on the Camino. This is exactly the kind of hospitality many pilgrims seek, as opposed to the rigid rules-based in-by-ten, out-at-eight, one night only, no- smoking-on-the-terrace mode that prevails in many parrochials and municipals. I admire hospitaleros immensely and value their service highly. Most are saints, it's a privilege to be in their presence. But I don't find the imposition of rigid and often pointless disciplines and the finger-wagging way it's done to have anything to do with service to pilgrims. I do, however, like the relaxed and gentle approach in those chilled privados with their volunteer hospitaleros/as. From speaking to them it seems that they can choose a routine that suits them and the owners are cool with that It's clear that "real" hospitaleros are proud of the regime they face and impose, and look down on those who lack such. Why? I think the OP would fit in perfectly in such places and find just the kind of situation they want. I hate to say it, but some hospitaleros are bullies, some are just nasty. Others are bossy and self-righteous and holier than thou. Think of hospitality in the sense of inviting someone into your home. Do you greet them with a list of rules and reprimand them if they fall short? Kick them out at 8 am? Privados can clean effectively without requiring that pilgrims vacate the premises and are happy to let people stay another night. Is there a reason why municipals and parrochials cannot? Other than the belief that suffering is good for the soul, your own and other people's? Be nice to the pilgrims, for God's sake and give the rules and the toilsome sacrifices a rest.
I'm going to say right up front that I am not Catholic, so I don't know about that ethos from experience.If other people work all day unpaid and even don't get food for this work...Well, they are free to do so, but that is exactly that thing, that I don't like about catolicism and church: suffering, working hard, feeling blessed for working hard unpaid...I don't know..Not for me..
Thank you @Gerard Griffin, I totally agree with you. I love walking the camino, but I never understoood why it has to be such a serious and rigid thing. I would rather pay 10-15 Euros per night for a private albergue and have the freedome to get up when it suits me, than being in a place that feels like church (with all its rules and obligations and enforcement).
So, yes, I should rather look out for a private albergue, where work is considered as work. I'm not an angel, I need to rest and to eat and I offer my help for these things in exchange. If other people work all day unpaid and even don't get food for this work...Well, they are free to do so, but that is exactly that thing, that I don't like about catolicism and church: suffering, working hard, feeling blessed for working hard unpaid...I don't know..Not for me..
Hm, no, actually a discussion about that is not really necessary, I think. I know what I like and you know what you like. There's no need to agree on one, on? The awesome thing is, there is something for everyone out there.Do not want to go into a discusion which is the better : parroquial or private albergues.
Note to mods : please delete my post if not following the forumrules.
As a very lapsed Catholic I do have my ideas though.Once , long ago , Catholicism might be about suffering and guilt but for me now it is about pure Caritas! The same generous and unconditional Caritas I find in albergues of all kinds, but also the Caritas I find when talking to shopowners, staff at a centro de salud etc...
I always refer to the important phillosophy from Emmanuel Levinas about giving and empathy.
Face to Face /The Other.
Hope someone smarter than I comes in to give a more decent response.
Wonderfully said. For sure that's why I have volunteered 6 times since my first Camino Francés in 2010. I was welcomed and cared for with such kindness and warmth that I felt the pull/need to return a bit of that to others.I was a volunteer in 2013 (Najera) and 2019(Alfaro), prompted by a compulsion to give something back in return for the hospitality which I had experienced while doing my own Caminos. And a curiosity about what I now call the 'freedom of service'. In giving without measuring or counting, I received riches beyond measure in return. Cleaning a toilet can be a prayer/meditation, when one is doing it as a choice. I had rarely stayed in a private albergue on my previous Caminos, and I was often struck by the patience and kindness which met me at the end of a long day. It suggested another way of being, which could not be bought, sold or exchanged. While volunteering, my bed at night was a place to rest so that I could begin again in the morning. It was hard work physically, but I got a lot of serenity from the experience. I will be back to do it again. Last month I was on the Camino, walking from A Coruna to Santiago, and I was delighted to receive the same care and dedication from the volunteers at the municipal albergues at Carral and Bruma. Lena, it might be worth reading a post on Camino hospitality by Rebekah Scott in 2017, somewhere on this site because this kind of hospitality may become a distant memory.
Lena, your original post has elicited a range of replies. I was glad to see you returning recently, to comment. You have indeed seen that the volunteer in the donativo albergue context is not a way to expand your life experience in a way that other volunteering such as you have already benefitted from can offer. I already forget what woofing is, by the way! I hope you will be successful in finding a place where you can balance what you want with what an albergue run by another ogansiation or system asks of volunteers.Hi everyone,
as all the other threads on this topic are quite old, I thought I would start a new one with several questions on volunteering:
1) In General, how many hours is a hospitalero/volunteer expected to "work"? Half a day? Full day? Would one be able to work 3-4 hours per day in their real job (online)? Or would say that is difficult to manage, as there are always people arriving and you would miss half of the experience if you would "disappear" for 4 hours?
2) What is the deal about accomodation and food? Is it free for the volunteer?
3) To those who did this already: Was it a geat experience or was it a bit boring as the people change every day? is there an albergue that you would recommend as it a was super nice place?
4) Is there a platform/group for albergues looking for volunteers?
5) What are the tasks of a volunteers? I assume cleaning, shopping, cooking and the reception? Or are there more tasks?
Each advice is much appreciated!
Lena
I know one of the albergues in La Faba burned down in the last year and I am assuming this is not the one that did? It would be a cool place to work. If it is the one with the bar/Cafe I remember it being quite busy as people struggled up the hill.
What was it like volunteering at Pilgrim House in Santiago? Seems like that would be different from the rest. That place intrigues me!Lena, 1) it will depend on where your being a Hospitalero and what time zone you work in. The schedule at the albergue will be set. Disappearing for four hours should be on your own time, before or after that. 2) Every albergue will be different, from my experience there will be limited or wonderful kitchens. I haven't experienced free food. Sometime a budget is provided. 3)Never boring because there are always things to fix, clean or cook.(recommendations withheld) 4) this forum will know where help is needed. Training is required. 5) The tasks can be endless and joyous. We've volunteered at Salamance, Estella, Ribadiso and Pilgrim House in Santiago, We are returning to Ribadiso in September.
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