We thought you might like to learn a little about where we have been staying and the life in pilgrim hostels. Actually, as pampered pilgrims we have now interspersed our albergue stays with three hotels (four if you count where we flew into).
It took us some time to get into hostel rituals and routines but we have pretty much got it sussed now. We can pack our rucksacks in the dark, which it often is at 6.00 am. It takes a brave soul to turn the light on even when it is obvious there is only lazy so-and-so still in bed. Then the stampede for the bathroom facilities begins - these can be minimal. This whole routine can start even earlier as there are groups of very early risers (are they walking 40 K or are they determined to get the two sheets of toilet paper that are left in the one toilet?) You lie in bed, watching the torch-light show and listening to the dry sacks rustling as people try to creep out and in fact everbody is just being woken up!
We often stay in large mixed dormitories and the snoring can fairly rattle the Windows. Earplugs are an essential Camino Way asset.
One of the lovely things about this comunal living is the camerarderie that can develop and it is great when later you bump into those familiar faces. Here are a few pics of places we have stayed. Guess which are the albergues.
Dear Jane and Charlotte
ReplyDeleteSo some of the albergues look pretty basic.
I like the attic with the low sloping roof. A whole lot of head-banging must go on!
And you're description of the careful, quiet rustling that's not supposed to, but of course does wakes everyone! Apart form those perhaps with the good ear-plugs.
I guess you have to be a bit circumspect, as other can read what you write, but tell us about some of the other Way walkers, when you can. I'm curious.
Garden news: The Daffs have more-or-less finished. The Bluebells have replaced them. My Lupins are looking fit (last year they were over-composted, hated it, and were very sad). Liz's broccoli, and my leek seedlings are looking good. The Blackcurrant bushes are covered in flowers. Should be good fruit season this year. There's a queue at the bird feeders, with so many news mouths to feed. It's still cold here, but stopped raining, for a while. Heard Swifts last night, so Summer is officially here.
As always, I really enjoy your reports.
All my love XXXX Mark
Hi Mum and Charlotte
DeleteFirst of all- well done for getting so far! These photos really remind me of backpacking! But some of the rooms look much nicer!
Give us a ring at the weekend on Sunday if you get time as we are off to France for a week from next Monday and we'd all love to say hello and have a natter.
You must be getting fit now and settling into the way of life en route, enjoy it all- but don't get too used to bursting in on naked men!!
Life for the girls is one long social whirl, parties, clubs and play dates. Their social life is hectic to say the least, ours is boring by comparison!! This week they have a non uniform Bollywood day at school which will be fun. I'm helping out reading with Emma's class 1 hour a week which is so sweet. Such little people!
We send all our love and hugs and looking forward to having a chat at the weekend- hopefully.
Love Katherine, Chris, Léa and Emma x x x x
Testing how to do this on Janes iPad....
ReplyDeleteHi J and Charlotte , some Camino stats for you.... You have done over 300km, your stay at Burgos (lovely Cathedral) was at the same height as the top of Blencathra, and you stay at this height for the next 10 days when you then go higher and higher and higher....until you are well above Ben Nevis...when we will all pray for some proper Spanish weather for you ....the BBC weather man just keeps sucking his teeth every time he mentions the 'Iberian Peninsula' at the moment. Forecast, however is improving. Next step is to tick off the 200 mile mark, which is.....tomorrow (Mon). Buen Camino, love Henryxxxxx
ReplyDelete