LIVE from the Camino New donativo in Pamplona is open: Betania

Becky 59

Active Member
Feb 22, 2018
309
1,043
USA
Time of past OR future Camino
CF 2018, 2021, 2023; CI 2019; CP 2022, 2023
I just started today volunteering at Betania, a wonderful small Donativo at the far end of Pamplona old town. It just opened last summer; all bunk beds (no mats!), usually 14 beds but in a pinch can expand to 18, and with plans to expand in the future, depending on income and grants. Father Cesar (aka Father Cuco) oversees the albergue, and after our communal dinner brings interested pilgrims into the church which is sparsely lit, for meditation, music and reflection. We also provide basic breakfast (although we would like to add a boiled egg for each pilgrim). So far this place looks awesome: refurbished 16th century building with old heavy beams in the ceilings. I’ll post in this thread with updates; tonight is garbanzo beans and pork cutlets (the departing hospitaleros left us 2 kg of pork and I usually cook vegetarian meals!)
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery

J Willhaus

Veteran Member
Nov 3, 2014
6,411
22,758
Laramie, WY
Time of past OR future Camino
2016, 2022, 2023, 2024, planned 2025
I just started today volunteering at Betania, a wonderful small Donativo at the far end of Pamplona old town. It just opened last summer; all bunk beds (no mats!), usually 14 beds but in a pinch can expand to 18, and with plans to expand in the future, depending on income and grants. Father Cesar (aka Father Cuco) oversees the albergue, and after our communal dinner brings interested pilgrims into the church which is sparsely lit, for meditation, music and reflection. We also provide basic breakfast (although we would like to add a boiled egg for each pilgrim). So far this place looks awesome: refurbished 16th century building with old heavy beams in the ceilings. I’ll post in this thread with updates; tonight is garbanzo beans and pork cutlets (the departing hospitaleros left us 2 kg of pork and I usually cook vegetarian meals!)
Glad to hear you are continuing your volunteer service. I usually cut up the pork and make pork, apples, and onions cooked in red wine and cinnamon. Makes the pork stretch further and just add more apples and onions to stretch it. Good with bread. Leave out the pork for vegetarians or vegans and serve with some homemade hummus and a green salad. Almost never any leftovers.

Is Betania using HosVol for volunteers?
 
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The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.

Becky 59

Active Member
Feb 22, 2018
309
1,043
USA
Time of past OR future Camino
CF 2018, 2021, 2023; CI 2019; CP 2022, 2023
Glad to hear you are continuing your volunteer service. I usually cut up the pork and make pork, apples, and onions cooked in red wine and cinnamon. Makes the pork stretch further and just add more apples and onions to stretch it. Good with bread. Leave out the pork for vegetarians or vegans and serve with some homemade hummus and a green salad. Almost never any leftovers.

Is Betania using HosVol for volunteers?
Yes, through Hosvol and Manuel.
 

justgiuli

New Member
Jan 22, 2018
15
7
Rome
Time of past OR future Camino
I did the frances, in easter 2018 I would start the VDLP
I just started today volunteering at Betania, a wonderful small Donativo at the far end of Pamplona old town. It just opened last summer; all bunk beds (no mats!), usually 14 beds but in a pinch can expand to 18, and with plans to expand in the future, depending on income and grants. Father Cesar (aka Father Cuco) oversees the albergue, and after our communal dinner brings interested pilgrims into the church which is sparsely lit, for meditation, music and reflection. We also provide basic breakfast (although we would like to add a boiled egg for each pilgrim). So far this place looks awesome: refurbished 16th century building with old heavy beams in the ceilings. I’ll post in this thread with updates; tonight is garbanzo beans and pork cutlets (the departing hospitaleros left us 2 kg of pork and I usually cook vegetarian meals!)
 
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.

lt56ny

Veteran Member
Jul 28, 2012
4,724
12,692
Bucerias, Mexico
Time of past OR future Camino
2024 Aragones, Madrid, Portugues Coastal
Hi Becky, I will be there in 2 days, so thinking to come by. Is not possible to reserve, right?

Best
I just started today volunteering at Betania, a wonderful small Donativo at the far end of Pamplona old town.
According to Gronze.com and as is the case with I think all donativos, no reservations are accepted.
The people who have posted reviews on Gronze all second what @Becky 59 has said"
 

Ken & Liz

Member
Feb 24, 2016
46
72
Time of past OR future Camino
Late August 2016
Glad to hear you are continuing your volunteer service. I usually cut up the pork and make pork, apples, and onions cooked in red wine and cinnamon. Makes the pork stretch further and just add more apples and onions to stretch it. Good with bread. Leave out the pork for vegetarians or vegans and serve with some homemade hummus and a green salad. Almost never any leftovers.

Is Betania using HosVol for volunteers?
 

Leemac40

Member
Aug 17, 2018
86
170
Scotland
Time of past OR future Camino
Baztan - September 2nd
I stayed here last year, first ever experience in a donation, what a first time! They were fantastic enough to allow me to stay a second night die to terribly blistered feet which allowed me to rest enough to continue my Camino to Burgos. Wonderful experience, thanks to pepper and Shokko who were the hospitalarios at the time ❤️
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery

FrancineM

Mrs Pistachio
Aug 13, 2012
22
8
Tacoma, WA
www.thomryng.com
Time of past OR future Camino
April-May 2013 - from Léon
(March-May 2016 - from SJPdP)
Hi Becky, I will be there in 2 days, so thinking to come by. Is not possible to reserve, right?

Best


No but it is very slow here. This is the ither hospitalera. We had 2 pilgrims last night. Five the night before. We can fit up to 18.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.

FrancineM

Mrs Pistachio
Aug 13, 2012
22
8
Tacoma, WA
www.thomryng.com
Time of past OR future Camino
April-May 2013 - from Léon
(March-May 2016 - from SJPdP)
They don't know you are there yet! Word will get around.
This is Betania’s 2nd year. This month there has been a steady trickle and sometimes up to 15 pilgrims in an evening so … we wait and welcome. Many want to book ahead.
 
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Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides