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That might make sense when albergues are crowded. However, ideally the albergue would have a mixture of pilgrims from various situations in life; it wouldn't be the "place where the poor people stay." The fact that it is often hard to tell who is rich/poor/professional/artist/married/single, etc. is one of the attractions of the pilgrimage. That's also why the donation box is meant to be anonymous.It makes sense to me that if you can afford it you should NOT stay in an albergue.
There is often a sense of community in albergues that is lacking in hotels - you get to hang out with pilgrims, not business travelser or tourists who sneer at your scruffy clothes.
I will gladly stay at hotels or private pensions that have some kind of community area, apart from the expensive hotel bar...
There is often a sense of community in albergues that is lacking in hotels - you get to hang out with pilgrims, not business travelser or tourists who sneer at your scruffy clothes.
I will gladly stay at hotels or private pensions that have some kind of community area, apart from the expensive hotel bar...
I think this is also a lesson I will have to learn on the Camino. It's been the story of my life and something that I need to learn to drop. Hmmmmm, I think I will take a pebble with me to represent that.I feel that this may become one of my big lessons on Camino ... Not to worry what others think
Soy una peregrina , puedo comer con usted ...
When walking with my wife this year, I don't think that the distinctions were this simple. Certainly albergues offered greater opportunities for communal sharing, but private accommodation didn't always preclude using common areas or meeting other pilgrims when eating out, etc. I think there are many more factors at play here than this.I think that, today, the real contrast is between communal, shared (=albergues), vs private, personal accomodations (=hostals, hotels).
When walking with my wife this year, I don't think that the distinctions were this simple. Certainly albergues offered greater opportunities for communal sharing, but private accommodation didn't always preclude using common areas or meeting other pilgrims when eating out, etc. I think there are many more factors at play here than this.
As there were many hotels, pensions etc in towns and large villages, only one 'donativo' albergue would be established in bigger towns for pilgrims who could not afford to pay for hotels or pensions.
Private albergues are a wonderful hybrid form--with common spaces but often very comfortable private rooms in addition to the bunk rooms. And they take bookings, more often than not.There is no way to exact a means test on pilgrims, but if you can afford these, perhaps you can help to take the pressure off the few donativo albergues that still survive by leaving them to those who cant afford the alternatives.
Well, there is 'cheating,' but as you say @JohnnieWalker, it has nothing to do with accommodation! And that's between the cheat and his/her conscience not anyone else's business. The karma of that is bad enough.Many people don't like staying in albergues but they say that they felt as though they were 'cheating' by staying in a hotel of pension. There is no such thing!
. . . who sneer at your scruffy clothes.
One of my greatest pleasures in life was walking into the Parador in Santiago, dressed like a hobo and all sweaty, with a fine coat of dirt covering my boots. After handing my passport to the front desk clerk, the hotel manager suddenly appeared--which is what happens when you book the Royal Suite for three nights. I will never forget the looks on the faces of the other guests in the lobby as one of the bellhops tossed my backpack on his back and the hotel manager led the way through a discrete door. The "Who the Hell was that?" moment was worth every penny.
Mmmm I was worrying about this last night . I AM intending to stay in hotels because :
I need to " regroup" at the end if the day .... Give my mind a break ...
I am not rich nor selfish but think I will cope better if I don't have to fret about being in the toilet or shower too long while others are waiting and being able to get a good nights sleep in quiet
I also don't mind paying to support the local economy who see lots of people walking past their door ..
I have a live and let live policy . What others do is their right to chose and by the same token what I chose is also my right and does NOT make me more or less of anything .
I also don't mind sharing a room if it has two single beds with someone who feels weary or misses a bed at the albergues.
Last night I worried I might feel isolated; might feel alienated ; might be lonelyOverthinking ??? Moi ???
Anyway along with all my other worries , I shall rock up and see what happens .
I am travelling via Valcarlos staying overnight and worry about those first few days .... If I stay private in Valcarlos and see pilgrims having dinner I will worry about whether to join them for fear of ridicule and not being one of them ..... I feel that this may become one of my big lessons on Camino ... Not to worry what others think ...
Annie
Mmmm I was worrying about this last night . I AM intending to stay in hotels because :
Last night I worried I might feel isolated; might feel alienated ; might be lonelyOverthinking ??? Moi ???
Anyway along with all my other worries , I shall rock up and see what happens .
I am travelling via Valcarlos staying overnight and worry about those first few days .... If I stay private in Valcarlos and see pilgrims having dinner I will worry about whether to join them for fear of ridicule and not being one of them ..... I feel that this may become one of my big lessons on Camino ... Not to worry what others think ...
Annie
There is often a sense of community in albergues that is lacking in hotels - you get to hang out with pilgrims, not business travelser or tourists who sneer at your scruffy clothes.
I will gladly stay at hotels or private pensions that have some kind of community area, apart from the expensive hotel bar...
When staying in hotels or pensions I miss the camaraderie of the albergues.
True, you don’t have to stay in an albergue to be “a true pilgrim”. But, I have to say, I never really “got it” until I stayed in albergues. In albergues I have to stop thinking about me all the time; about this being “my camino”. It’s not my camino, it’s everyone else’s camino too. In albergues I have to be considerate to those around me: lie on my side, so I don’t snore; don’t put my backpack on a chair in case someone needs to sit on it (duhh!); thank those kind people I met later who left early but never woke me. The list is endless. I need to stay in albergues, otherwise I become too self-centred; and that’s not what it’s all about, at least, not for me. Private accommodations are my life-line: for when it all goes awry (we’re all human), and I need my own space to back-off, relax, take stock, re-adjust, take a deep breath, and try again. This camino thing is not easy! Jill
It's truly a coin with 2 sides ... or 3 including the rim ..... or 8 on a UK 50p piece ;-)
Drop it in your boot if you what to remember it well.I think this is also a lesson I will have to learn on the Camino. It's been the story of my life and something that I need to learn to drop. Hmmmmm, I think I will take a pebble with me to represent that.
"It's truly a coin with 2 sides ... or 3 including the rim ..... or 8 on a UK 50p piece ;-)
Should that be 9 for the 50p?
I choose to stay in s all hotels, private Albergues, as I need some privacy; I have never been sneered at and often found that these bars are full of pelegrinos, because donativos don't have bars.There is often a sense of community in albergues that is lacking in hotels - you get to hang out with pilgrims, not business travelser or tourists who sneer at your scruffy clothes.
I will gladly stay at hotels or private pensions that have some kind of community area, apart from the expensive hotel bar...
Plus front and back.Just dug one out of my pocket and counted the sides - it's 7 !!!!
Depends on your perspective. All the software in all of your Apps are applications of rules and details. The people who write software help make the world of technology work and we all benefit. For example if your sat nav took you to within 200m of your destination, it may only be a small distance compared to the 200kms it guided you from your starting point, but irksome just the same. To some I may be pedantic and that is fine, but to me I am just observing what is and appreciating that small details can make a huge difference.Pedant!!!
Ehm, not sure how to break it to you @Tincatinker but you just changed gender ... Buen Camino de la Vida, SY
... And as my granny nearly said: "gender, schmender - if they're rich marry them."
No, just meticulous pursuit of accuracy!!Pedant!!!
When walking with my wife this year, I don't think that the distinctions were this simple. Certainly albergues offered greater opportunities for communal sharing, but private accommodation didn't always preclude using common areas or meeting other pilgrims when eating out, etc. I think there are many more factors at play here than this.
And their car is a colour that you like......- Especially if they don't have heirs, suffer from poor health and are 90+ years old..
LOVE this post. Frankly never understood the essence of this thread as I have never heard this was an issue.True, you don’t have to stay in an albergue to be “a true pilgrim”. But, I have to say, I never really “got it” until I stayed in albergues. In albergues I have to stop thinking about me all the time; about this being “my camino”. It’s not my camino, it’s everyone else’s camino too. In albergues I have to be considerate to those around me: lie on my side, so I don’t snore; don’t put my backpack on a chair in case someone needs to sit on it (duhh!); thank those kind people I met later who left early but never woke me. The list is endless. I need to stay in albergues, otherwise I become too self-centred; and that’s not what it’s all about, at least, not for me. Private accommodations are my life-line: for when it all goes awry (we’re all human), and I need my own space to back-off, relax, take stock, re-adjust, take a deep breath, and try again. This camino thing is not easy! Jill
I just completed the Frances and Finesterra via Muxia day before yesterday. I stayed 30% in alburgues and the rest in single or private rooms at Hotel/Hostal/Pension/Casa. I had set out with alburgue as the prime accommodation but was hard for me to adapt mainly due to difficulties sleeping (snoring and plastic noise at 4-5am) which made the next day a lot harder than necessary.
In addition, going to the toilet with 5 people queing up outside was new to me and most of the time, I ended up skipping the ritual. Eventually I avoided alburgues whenever possible and I began to enjoy the Camino better.
I didn't miss having people to talk to as there's ample opportunities during meal stops if needed. I walked by myself the entire time except the last few days when I met 3 other ladies who were all solo walkers and private roomers too. The only communal dinners I had was at Monjardin (I think after Puente La Reina) and at San Bol on the Meseta as the alburgues offered dinners. There were small groups of people and it was very nice indeed.
The only thing I did miss about the albuegue was the laundry facilities, be it the big sink, the ample drying areas or the washing machines.
LOVE this post. Frankly never understood the essence of this thread as I have never heard this was an issue.
Will not foreget Tineo: tall, think, long legged man waltzes in a fairly empty donativo. Clearly Ivy League alumn type, Investment banker/McKensie type. Hospies had taken the € from the till before he arrived ... And found nothing else in the morning. Trust me, you would not want anyone speaking of you in the terms the hospies did of this young man.
Do you all mostly walk with technology and research your lodgings a few days in advance? I only walked to Santo Domingo and had a few places written down on paper as recommended or avoid.
Now that you are talking about different types of albergues how do I know which type of albergue I am standing in front of? And what is the difference between them? I know every where I stayed had bunk beds other than the parador. And that wonderful place that had only two beds to a room and a door to shut - that was a nice surprise! We could still hear the man(?) snoring in the next room though. LOL!
I know I stayed in a donotivo at least once and the hospitalera was new and took the money from my hand and put it in the box. Do you all know you are at a donativo before enter? Now I am thinking I have missed something in my planning but really don't want to be connected to technology on the camino. I am bringing a tablet or phone (not connected just for wifi) so I don't have to search out a computer if there are any injuries that necessitate a change in plans.
When I start walking next week I plan to just have a piece of paper with a few places written down and at the end of the day we will see where we end up. This is what works best for me.
In my first pilgrimage I did not do any systematic research. I only carried a two pages list of distances and albergues (good to know when to stop when you are starting to feel tired, or weather is turning to bad) with icons indicating albergue availability.When I start walking next week I plan to just have a piece of paper with a few places written down and at the end of the day we will see where we end up. This is what works best for me.
Thanks for this. I was thinking there might have been something on the outside of the buildings that I wasn't reading.In your case, why not carry a paper guidebook so that you get an idea what kind of albergue you are standing before? ;-)
In my first pilgrimage I did not do any systematic research. I only carried a two pages list of distances and albergues (good to know when to stop when you are starting to feel tired, or weather is turning to bad) with icons indicating albergue availability.
Sometimes, when I used the albergues computers (this was before the wifi craze), I browsed the Gronze guide http://www.gronze.com/ (in Spanish, but not difficult to understand) to see albergues ubication and other details. Most of the time, I just decided on the spot; the first albergue I saw was my option. Other times, I was walking with an informal group, and we stayed in the same place.
As for maps, they are really not necessary in the Camino Frances. I just followed the yellow arrows and never got lost.
This is a forum for sharing info and experiences. It is natural that people ask about albergues, maps, guides. Sometimes, newbies are just apprehensive and what they really want is some cheering up and reassurance.
Planning can be also a lot of fun -although carried to an excess, it may be obviously counterproductive. There are not perfect pilgrimages, as there are not perfect lives.
Well in my case I've checked into a 5 star hotel in Pamplona for two nights called La Perla in order to recover from terrible heat today walking for 7 hours in 34'. Yes I had a wide brimmed hat yes I had enough water ....my OH took a swim in the stream on the way to cool down. We stayed in SJDPP for 10 euros but I'm afraid I needed fluffy white towels today and a room for just two, and a bath and bathroom products and laundry service... and and and, I'll continue on Friday but have decided to use a hotel every 5/6 days to top me up!Our wise and experienced member Sillydol has posted this on Facebook. A true and sincere analysis :
DID YOU KNOW - pilgrims to Santiago were never meant to only stay in albergues?
In 1987 at a conference held by the AMIGOS (Friends of the Camino) in Jaca it was suggested that 'refugios' similar to those offered in the middle ages be established in remote villages and mountain areas of the Camino where there were few options for pilgrims to stay.
As there were many hotels, pensions etc in towns and large villages, only one 'donativo' albergue would be established in bigger towns for pilgrims who could not afford to pay for hotels or pensions.
The minutes of this conference show that the refugios would not be for tourists in cars but for walking, cycling and horseback pilgrims only.
It was never intended that pilgrims should only stay in the sponsored refugios. This would be in conflict with the already struggling hospitality industry.
Somewhere, 30-odd years ago, an urban legend that pilgrims should only stay in albergues was started, and soon pressure developed on the donativo refugios.
Today there are many lovely private albergues, semi-albergues established in people's homes, and other great places to stay. There is no way to exact a means test on pilgrims, but if you can afford these, perhaps you can help to take the pressure off the few donativo albergues that still survive by leaving them to those who cant afford the alternatives.
PS: Many people don't like staying in albergues but they say that they felt as though they were 'cheating' by staying in a hotel of pension. There is no such thing!
Thanks for this. I was thinking there might have been something on the outside of the buildings that I wasn't reading.
We brought the Brierly guide last time
Sure. I wear fabrics using technological advances that allow the designs to be light, warm and waterproof, a relatively lightweight modern pack using materials technologies not available a couple of decades ago in designs that wouldn't have been even contemplated when I was younger. I wear a cotton hat manufactured using modern production technologies. Oh, and I also carried an Android smartphone and used the browser for email, FB, this forum and other web browsing, including looking at accommodation options a day or so ahead.Do you all mostly walk with technology and research your lodgings a few days in advance?
We stayed almost exclusively in private rooms, some hotels, but never experienced a run down hotel on the Camino. Nor did we often have to pay as much as $50 a night. Even so, $25 each for a private room with bath - not bad.5 euro for a bed in a dormitory vice 50 euros for a room in a run down hotel ...
That is quite the 'means' test.
Sure. I wear fabrics using technological advances that allow the designs to be light, warm and waterproof, a relatively lightweight modern pack using materials technologies not available a couple of decades ago in designs that wouldn't have been even contemplated when I was younger. I wear a cotton hat manufactured using modern production technologies. Oh, and I also carried an Android smartphone and used the browser for email, FB, this forum and other web browsing, including looking at accommodation options a day or so ahead.
Well in my case I've checked into a 5 star hotel in Pamplona for two nights called La Perla in order to recover from terrible heat
..., I thought there might have been something posted outside the albergues that I just never noticed to indicate which type of albergues they were. ...
The difficulty fur getting a room tonight was the Mediaeval Festival and so lots of people were attracted here in Pamplona on the 8th Sep . There is a street procession of giant puppets singing and dancing starting at 17.30 with a flower presentation at the Cathdral at 18.30 then more music in the centre at 20.00. We feel very lucky we arrived in time for this. The Camino has provided free entertainment!Actually there are, sometimes the borders between the different types are a bit blurry sometimes, here a short list:
albergue municipal - owned by the town/village
albergue parroquial - owned by the parish/church
albergue monastico - owned by the monastery
hospital de peregrinos - typically a donativo, but not always now
The above are normally low cost/donativo, the next ones normally charge a bit more:
albergue privado - privately owned
albergue turistico - privately owned that typically also accepts non-pilgrims
There are also these little plaques near/at the entrance that state the registration number of commercial albergues and have a certain number of stars (?), indicating the 'comfort level' and so indirectly also the price.
Hope that helps, Buen Camino, SY
Unless they are hand painted signs, as I have seen outside one private albergue.There are also these little plaques near/at the entrance that state the registration number of commercial albergues and have a certain number of stars (?), indicating the 'comfort level' and so indirectly also the price.
Hope that helps, Buen Camino, SY
Actually there are, sometimes the borders between the different types are a bit blurry sometimes, here a short list:
albergue municipal - owned by the town/village
albergue parroquial - owned by the parish/church
albergue monastico - owned by the monastery
hospital de peregrinos - typically a donativo, but not always now
The above are normally low cost/donativo, the next ones normally charge a bit more:
albergue privado - privately owned
albergue turistico - privately owned that typically also accepts non-pilgrims
There are also these little plaques near/at the entrance that state the registration number of commercial albergues and have a certain number of stars (?), indicating the 'comfort level' and so indirectly also the price.
The (remaining) donativo albergues have its nuances, too. Sometimes the box is in a discreet place -so it is really anonymous. More usually, it is in the common room. And in one, I'd say extreme case, the box was right on the desk where pilgrims were registered, and you had to put your money under the watchful eyes of the hospitalero.
Anyway, I wonder how many donativo albergues survive. The money has to come from somewhere, and I doubt very much that donativos cover the expenses, especially in or near winter, where some heating is really needed.
It is a uncomfortable situation when the donativo box is right under the watchful eye of the hospitalero/a . I experienced this once ( will not write the place ) and I had the strong idea I was giving too little ( although I always gave more than when staying in the most expensive private albergue).
You make me hang my head in shame. Only once did I try to stay at a donativo albergue, and I was rejected as I confessed to the hospitaleros that I had not carried my pack that day - which rejection was fair enough. However, had I been allowed to stay there, it was not my plan to donate more than a mere token. Thankfully, since then there have been threads on this forum on the real meaning of donativo and I have now learned the error of my ways / thinking. Next time I will know better.......and I had the strong idea I was giving too little ( although I always gave more than when staying in the most expensive private albergue).
You make me hang my head in shame. Only once did I try to stay at a donativo albergue, and I was rejected as I confessed to the hospitaleros that I had not carried my pack that day - which rejection was fair enough. However, had I been allowed to stay there, it was not my plan to donate more than a mere token. Thankfully, since then there have been threads on this forum on the real meaning of donativo and I have now learned the error of my ways / thinking. Next time I will know better.
In no way, SabineP, did I infer anything from your post, so please don't worry. I was merely commenting on how much my own attitude has changed since my Camino, thanks to this forum.In no way was it my intention to tell other posters here what their donation should be....Hope I did not give you the wrong idea? Like I said in another post : you cannot tell always tell from the looks/ attitude of a pilgrim if he has sufficient funds or not.
No, but the simpilicty of Tomas' Albergue de peregrinos de Manjarín helped me make a connection to the pilgrims of long ago.Your accommodation doesn't make you a pilgrim!
We stayed only in private accomodations and were surprised at how often we ran into the same people, even in towns where there were a variety of hostels, casa rurals, inns, avaliable. We quickly formed a bit of a "private accomodation family" and looked forward to who among that handful we'd run into the next night.
Thanks for the post, JohnnyWalker. An eye-opener for many, I imagine. I remember when Sillydoll put it up about a year ago and was surprised and grateful to read it.
We ran into pilgrims who clearly looked down on us because we weren't doing the albergue thing. Fortunately, there were only a few. But they are definitely out there!
Wondering how you located and arranged the private accommodations. Hoping to find them along our way rather than needing to prearrange. Our sights are set for Mid September 2019 or 2020. We will be in no hurry. At 68ish, planning to slow down rather than hurry up.
That might make sense when albergues are crowded. However, ideally the albergue would have a mixture of pilgrims from various situations in life; it wouldn't be the "place where the poor people stay." The fact that it is often hard to tell who is rich/poor/professional/artist/married/single, etc. is one of the attractions of the pilgrimage. That's also why the donation box is meant to be anonymous.
Albergues just offer that 'common hang out' space which I love ;-)
Great thread, JohnnieWalker!True, you don’t have to stay in an albergue to be “a true pilgrim”. But, I have to say, I never really “got it” until I stayed in albergues. In albergues I have to stop thinking about me all the time; about this being “my camino”. It’s not my camino, it’s everyone else’s camino too. In albergues I have to be considerate to those around me: lie on my side, so I don’t snore; don’t put my backpack on a chair in case someone needs to sit on it (duhh!); thank those kind people I met later who left early but never woke me. The list is endless. I need to stay in albergues, otherwise I become too self-centred; and that’s not what it’s all about, at least, not for me. Private accommodations are my life-line: for when it all goes awry (we’re all human), and I need my own space to back-off, relax, take stock, re-adjust, take a deep breath, and try again. This camino thing is not easy! Jill
I was guessing but good for the clarification ! Maybe I was counting the edge (digging for excuses)Just dug one out of my pocket and counted the sides - it's 7 !!!!
My wife and I stayed in several Albergues along the path but quickly realized that there were other options that were nearly the same price for pilgrims walking in 2's or even groups up to 4. We could get a bed in an Albergue for about $10 a night (varies by location) or we could get a private room for 2 people for about $25 per night.Very well said.
I have felt a certain sense of superiority by those staying in albergues. At the same time there are comments about overcrowding.
It makes sense to me that if you can afford it you should NOT stay in an albergue.
Juanajoanna
... just the thought that the idea of such a test would be a good on makes me sad...There is no way to exact a means test on pilgrims
If you can afford these, perhaps you can help to take the pressure off the few donativo albergues that still survive by leaving them to those who cant afford the alternatives.
Shouldn't people stay where they feel they should stay? Should money decide for people what they can or can't do (if you have the means to stay in Paradores, should it mean you have to stay in Paradores only?)It makes sense to me that if you can afford it you should NOT stay in an albergue.
No, there isn'tMany people don't like staying in albergues but they say that they felt as though they were 'cheating' by staying in a hotel of pension. There is no such thing!
I agree, but still: what each individual does impacts the bigger picture. For instance...The reality is your camino is yours no one elses
When it's 1 person+1+1+1+1+...+1 who thinks this way, it leads to a big change in the Camino. Prices went sky-high on the CFrances since "The Way" movie came out and attracted much more Northern-Americans.I also don't mind paying
Clearly Ivy League alumn type, Investment banker/McKensie type.
+1 (+1+1+1+1+1+1Secondly I would not be 100 % sure how to detect a pilgrim being a " clearly" Ivy League or banker type. Until I talk to him and go beyond speaking about our professions / status or other wordly accessories but talk to him about our dreams, losses and life in general I will give him the benefit of the doubt.
Agreed! Especially if the excess it not to prepare and go on a less than scarcely frequented CaminoPlanning can be also a lot of fun -although carried to an excess, it may be obviously counterproductive.
Our wise and experienced member Sillydol has posted this on Facebook. A true and sincere analysis :
DID YOU KNOW - pilgrims to Santiago were never meant to only stay in albergues?
In 1987 at a conference held by the AMIGOS (Friends of the Camino) in Jaca it was suggested that 'refugios' similar to those offered in the middle ages be established in remote villages and mountain areas of the Camino where there were few options for pilgrims to stay.
As there were many hotels, pensions etc in towns and large villages, only one 'donativo' albergue would be established in bigger towns for pilgrims who could not afford to pay for hotels or pensions.
The minutes of this conference show that the refugios would not be for tourists in cars but for walking, cycling and horseback pilgrims only.
It was never intended that pilgrims should only stay in the sponsored refugios. This would be in conflict with the already struggling hospitaltity industry.
Somewhere, 30-odd years ago, an urban legend that pilgrims should only stay in albergues was started, and soon pressure developed on the donativo refugios.
Today there are many lovely private albergues, semi-albergues established in people's homes, and other great places to stay. There is no way to exact a means test on pilgrims, but if you can afford these, perhaps you can help to take the pressure off the few donativo albergues that still survive by leaving them to those who cant afford the alternatives.
PS: Many people don't like staying in albergues but they say that they felt as though they were 'cheating' by staying in a hotel of pension. There is no such thing!
In a different thread I brought this up too!One point I have yet to see in this thread. Many of the authentic Spanish restaurants have remarkably late hours. To me part of the pilgrimage is sampling local food...
There is often a sense of community in albergues that is lacking in hotels - you get to hang out with pilgrims, not business travelser or tourists who sneer at your scruffy clothes.
I will gladly stay at hotels or private pensions that have some kind of community area, apart from the expensive hotel bar...
The (remaining) donativo albergues have its nuances, too. Sometimes the box is in a discreet place -so it is really anonymous. More usually, it is in the common room. And in one, I'd say extreme case, the box was right on the desk where pilgrims were registered, and you had to put your money under the watchful eyes of the hospitalero.
Anyway, I wonder how many donativo albergues survive. The money has to come from somewhere, and I doubt very much that donativos cover the expenses, especially in or near winter, where some heating is really needed.
Agreeing with Felipe here, I stay in albergues alone for the community spirit. You won't get that in a parador or a casa rural.
I did the same, couldn't quite manage the Royal Suite thoughOne of my greatest pleasures in life was walking into the Parador in Santiago, dressed like a hobo and all sweaty, with a fine coat of dirt covering my boots. After handing my passport to the front desk clerk, the hotel manager suddenly appeared--which is what happens when you book the Royal Suite for three nights. I will never forget the looks on the faces of the other guests in the lobby as one of the bellhops tossed my backpack on his back and the hotel manager led the way through a discrete door. The "Who the Hell was that?" moment was worth every penny.
Mmmm I was worrying about this last night . I AM intending to stay in hotels because :
I need to " regroup" at the end if the day .... Give my mind a break ...
I am not rich nor selfish but think I will cope better if I don't have to fret about being in the toilet or shower too long while others are waiting and being able to get a good nights sleep in quiet
I also don't mind paying to support the local economy who see lots of people walking past their door ..
I have a live and let live policy . What others do is their right to chose and by the same token what I chose is also my right and does NOT make me more or less of anything .
I also don't mind sharing a room if it has two single beds with someone who feels weary or misses a bed at the albergues.
Last night I worried I might feel isolated; might feel alienated ; might be lonelyOverthinking ??? Moi ???
Anyway along with all my other worries , I shall rock up and see what happens .
I am travelling via Valcarlos staying overnight and worry about those first few days .... If I stay private in Valcarlos and see pilgrims having dinner I will worry about whether to join them for fear of ridicule and not being one of them ..... I feel that this may become one of my big lessons on Camino ... Not to worry what others think ...
Annie
I did the same, couldn't quite manage the Royal Suite though
Disagree completely.
Are the gites in France albergues or Casa Rural's ?????????????
Are the communal meals in the above less than those in albergues ???????????
Nope. I am looking forward to walking the Camino del Norte...someday. Thanks for the reference.You know where the one in Miraz is Felipe ?
Gave a good donation and got a good bed next to window .
Nope. I am looking forward to walking the Camino del Norte...someday. Thanks for the reference.
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