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Working as hospitalera in winter

Luka

Veteran Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Next: Camino Sanabrés (May 2024)
I am thinking of working as a hospitalera off-season on the Camino Francés (somewhere between november and february).

I have read a little bit of information on the website of the Dutch pilgrim association about the albergue in Astorga (Siervas de Maria). They say that in winter there is just one hospitalero/a, accomodating somewhere between 0 and 10 pilgrims a day. Sounds nice! The combination of a bit of solitude and that many pilgrims a day I could even remember their names.

Anyone who has experience with working as a hospitalero/a in winter in Astorga or other places along the Francés? Tips maybe? If there would be possibilities to cook a communal (vegetarian) meal, that would be a plus!
 
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I might even want to include Christmas. Must be special on the Camino!
 
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@natefaith thanks, sounds wonderful! I have read good stories on the forum about the albergue in Grañon.
 
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I volunteered way back in 2002, November in Ponferrada. As a hospitalero you run your own inn for two weeks. Within parameters you decide when to close, to open, to whom you may extend a needed "rest" day. If you wish to cook communal meals, I believe that is still alright. The work is hard. Hospitaleros are: listening ears, tour guides, travel agents, porters, janitors, cooks, pilgrim referees, and entertainment committee. There weren't many pilgrims, we averaged 10 or so a day. However, Camino popularity has increased a great bit since 2002, so your numbers may be greater. Check pilgrim statistics page oficinadelperegrino.com for pilgrim numbers over past few years.

As for working alone, I did not. If you are paired it is quite a challenge to run a household with a total stranger, possibly of different gender, nationality, and race. Did it! And, had a blast. If you are alone, as I was, just one day, that is okay too.
Enjoy.
 
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Luka, if you are looking to volunteer the usual two-week term, you shouldn't have much trouble finding a spot; just go through the Federation for an assignment, or contact Siervas de Maria directly if Astorga is your cup of tea.

If you are looking for a longer-term, winter-long billet, it's a tougher go. Siervas de Maria has one guy, Alfredo, who lives on-site year-round and oversees the place; he is likely the person referred-to in your post. Likewise, Ponferrada has crusty old Evaristo, who's always there holding down the fort throughout the year, overseeing whatever volunteers show up. San Esteban in Castrojeriz has a similar arrangement, as do most of the other non-profits who stay open in winter. These year-round, winter-long posts are highly prized and sought-after by a small group of seasoned hospitaleros, people who live year-round on the caminos.
 
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@Luka as Reb mentioned the best bet would be to contact La Federación Española de los Amigos del Camino de Santiago, headoffce is in Logroño and the one to speak to Anaï (anahosvol@caminosantiago.org) she is the coordinator and places hospitaler@s. Normally you need to take a weekend course prior to placement but there are exceptions.

I have volunteered in Grañón, El Burgo Ranero, Ponferrada, Nájera and Zamora but only in the summer and during Semana Santa (Ponferrada) and for the usual 2 week period. We offered communal meals in Grañón, in the other locations it was for "political" reasons forbidden. If you want to talk send me a PM. I'll be in NL till next Saturday then off to Spain.

Details here:

Hospitaleros Voluntarios del Camino de Santiago
Aptdo. 315
26080 - Logroño (La Rioja)
ó
Centro de Información del Camino de Santiago
Horario de oficina: de lunes a viernes, de 8:00 a 3:00.
Télf.: (34) 941-245-674
Fax: (34) 941-247-571

hosvol@caminosantiago.org
anahosvol@caminosantiago.org
caminosantiago@caminosantiago.org
peregrino@caminosantiago.org
 
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In 2002, when I volunteered, Evaristo was not in residence. 2014, I recovered from sprained ankle in Ponferrada, and He was there. Albergue was nearly empty, yet on Fat Tuesday, he lectured me loudly and stridently, on overstaying my welcome. I invited him to accompany me to Ash Wednesday Mass. From then on he shined brighter and brighter. The day I left, to walk on to Santiago, I helped clean albergue top to bottom, inside out. He hugged me and sang my praises, told other hospitalero and Father Miguel Angel, what a wonderful woman I was. He is sparkling diamond, under a ton of life's coal and ash!
 
@nycwalking wonderful story!

@Rebekah Scott and @LTfit thanks for your information! I am not looking for an all-winter hospitalera position, 2 weeks sounds fine for a start, 4 would have been fine too ;-)

@LTfit, I'll send you a PM!
 
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Another, perhaps more complicated option, would be to rent a flat/house during winter time in a place where everything is closed and make so your own albergue. There are a lot of stages on the CF that are difficult for winter pilgrims because a lot of alberges are closed. For advice about places where winter hospitality is sorely needed contact http://www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno/ (email on top of page). They do speak English. Buen Camino, SY

PS Do you speak Spanish? That would be really important in my experience ...
 
@SYates Interesting idea... I see a bit too many obstacles in my case. I didn't know it was still difficult for winter pilgrims to find lodging on the Frances.

I manage rather well in Spanish. I'll be in the country as of the 4th of July, so I still have some time to improve my language skills.
 
Update: I have been in touch with Anaï of La Federación Española de los Amigos del Camino de Santiago. She told me there are only 5 albergues open in winter and Christmas would be difficult. But there might be a possibility in January. We'll keep in touch with each other.

In the meantime... I arranged something with Albergue Ecológico El Beso in A Balsa. I will be working there as a hospitalera from 15 September till 15 October! Not winter yet, but it sounds wonderful. A small albergue with 16-20 beds, a communal dinner and all vegetarian!
 
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Good for you : El Beso is from that Dutch couple isn't it?
 
LTfit said:
Sounds great Luka, good for you!

Yep, Sabs, a Dutch-Italian couple. I actually heard from the Dutch forum member Ton that they want to rent out the albergue for next year. Anyone want to join me?
Click to expand...

Let's speak about that when you meet in Santiago! BC SY
 
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