Laurie and I have only half a week until the end of August when we finish our stint as Hospitaleros for an Albergue for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. If you’re a new reader, some context is appropriate.
The Camino de Santiago is a 1200-year-old pilgrimage across Europe ending in the city of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. The goal is the cathedral containing (supposedly) the remains of the Apostle James. Last year over half a million pilgrims from all over the world made the journey. Many started only 100 or so kilometers from Santiago, but many started deeper into Europe from Italy, Germany, or France. Most pilgrims stay at hostels, called Albergues in Spain, or other shelters during their pilgrimage. The hosts for these Albergues are called Hospitaleros. Read more about the Camino and see short videos on our website at this page.
A few short stories:
A Dog? We were surprised earlier this week to find a couple with a dog waiting for the Albergue to open—a first for us. Turns out that this was a registered service animal and the couple asserted that Spanish law gave them access. We contacted the city that owns our Albergue and ensured that it was permitted and signed them in—all three of them. Well, we signed in the couple (who hailed from Canada and Italy respectively) but also sold them a pilgrim credential for Valiente the four footed “pilgrim.” Travelers on the Camino get a stamp at each place they stay and other landmarks along the way to prove their progress. We all figured it would help demonstrate his legitimacy. Valiente was a good guest, although he shed much more than any of our other pilgrims.
An Afternoon Out. At a meeting in Leon we had met/befriended two hospitaleros from Spain at an Albergue further down the trail. They were coming to our town as one of the local bars serves a special delicacy—octopus—every Friday. Although their English is as limited as our Spanish, Google Translate and patience is a great equalizer. We joined them after a tour of our Albergue and enjoyed the lunch—me more than Laurie. Getting to know friendly people at the local stores and other hospitaleros—as well as our procession of pilgrims, has been an enriching experience.
The Badger. At home we have a fancy robot that does a good job of both vacuuming and mopping our floors. We named it Badger. This Albergue has a more elementary vacuum robot that we named Tejon—Spanish for Badger. Frankly, it is more of a novelty than a workhorse, but since I am easily amused, I like to run it. I only have to rescue it from getting trapped occasionally.
Questions? Feel free to post them in the comments section.
AMAZING!
Yes, every day is amazing.