Early Morning Pilgrims - Suggestion

[Vikita]

I just returned from the Camino Frances. If you intend to leave the albergue very early (5:30 a.m.), please do not turn on the lights for the entire room and speak in a loud voice. It is disturbing to those who want to sleep until 6:30 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. Please have your backpack packed and ready to go and just slip out quietly. It is courteous and those who would like to get up later would greatly appreciate it.

 

[SYates]

Good idea, but I think you are "preaching to the choir" here on the forum ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Your suggestions are excellent. Post them on Spanish, German, and Italian language forums, and there may be results.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

You get a better reaction from a concreet block than from a noisy pilgrim in the morning .

Wish you well,Peter.

 

[jerbear]

Well most of the Alburgue I have been staying in the doors open at 630. I leave early as well. So I get up pack my gear and go as quiet as i can. I pay the same and have the same rights as late sleepers. Who btw make the staff nervous as some people are late getting out thus throwing off the schedule. It's futile. Good luck with your endeavors. Or get a room
My thoughts. Oh I am a walker not just a talker.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I pay the same and have the same rights as late sleepers. Who btw make the staff nervous as some people are late getting out thus throwing off the schedule.

Really? Rights? Nothing about respect for others, compasion, good old savoir vivre?

 

[SabsP]

Well most of the Alburgue I have been staying in the doors open at 630. I leave early as well. So I get up pack my gear and go as quiet as i can. I pay the same and have the same rights as late sleepers. Who btw make the staff nervous as some people are late getting out thus throwing off the schedule. It's futile. Good luck with your endeavors. Or get a room
My thoughts. Oh I am a walker not just a talker.

Isn't this a bit harsh? Talking about rights etc..." Your rights end where mine begin " springs to mind.
Like the OP writes : it is about courtesy.

Sorry to all the hospis that I must have made nervous by staying in the albergue till 8 am.
Not to mention those three occasions where I actually stayed until 9 am because we got into a nice conversation....Shame one me

 

[Deleted member 43780]

I just returned from the Camino Frances. If you intend to leave the albergue very early (5:30 a.m.), please do not turn on the lights for the entire room and speak in a loud voice. It is disturbing to those who want to sleep until 6:30 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. Please have your backpack packed and ready to go and just slip out quietly. It is courteous and those who would like to get up later would greatly appreciate it.

Good post. Agree with you; but, as others told you...the ones who need to know that are not reading on here. And they don't care about others.

Walked three Caminos and everyone there were certain people who had no consideration for others. Worse was Burma on the English Way. Few guys got up around 4 or so. Turned lights on. Talked loud. Left outside door open when they went back and forth to the bathroom and the dorm area. Moved chairs and table in the kitchen area. made horrible noise.

Bad news is this was not the only place I have ran into these types.

My way of dealing with them is when they, and they do, go to bed at 7 pm I make all the noise I want.

I noticed this type goes to bed early and gets up early. Which was totally uncalled for on the English Way. There were plenty of rooms. Legs between places were not that far.

Over all, my opinion of people on the Camino keeps going down hill. There are more and more RUDE people walking the Camino now. Be it bikers on the trail, or those rude ones in the A'berg. I am about ready to give up walking Caminos. Getting tired of the RUDE ones on the Camino now.

I guess a way to stop this stuff is for all of us to speak up when they are not considerate of others. Let them know what they are doing wrong.

 

[scruffy1]

I just returned from the Camino Frances. If you intend to leave the albergue very early (5:30 a.m.), please do not turn on the lights for the entire room and speak in a loud voice. It is disturbing to those who want to sleep until 6:30 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. Please have your backpack packed and ready to go and just slip out quietly. It is courteous and those who would like to get up later would greatly appreciate it.

Headlamp flashers, stumblethumpers, plastic bag stuffers, toilet door slammers, and "Jose/Johnny/Johan" shushers can put a pilgrim off albergues forever.

 

[domigee]

When I stay in albergues, I leave early too. But that's usually because I have been woken up by people making a lot of racket just going to the bathroom or packing their bags
In private rooms I have to put my alarm on or I sleep till 9 or later

 

[jsalt]

I just returned from the Camino Frances. If you intend to leave the albergue very early (5:30 a.m.), please do not turn on the lights for the entire room and speak in a loud voice. It is disturbing to those who want to sleep until 6:30 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. Please have your backpack packed and ready to go and just slip out quietly. It is courteous and those who would like to get up later would greatly appreciate it.

Wear i-pads I mean eye-pads, and use earplugs, no problem
Jill

 

[jo webber]

If they have woken you up, why not speak to them at that time? A semi polite, "Please, I and the others are trying to sleep." Might (only might) give them a clue.

If you see them at the next place you plan to stay, say in a loud voice "Nope, not staying with THEM again. Woke up everyone in the place far too early the other day." Or ask them if they will again rise early and wake everyone up again, if so you can leave.

 

[jo webber]

Question, what is early and what is late?
Is there some exact time everyone should wake up all together? (this is never going to happen)

 

[Deleted member 43780]

If they have woken you up, why not speak to them at that time? A semi polite, "Please, I and the others are trying to sleep." Might (only might) give them a clue.

If you see them at the next place you plan to stay, say in a loud voice "Nope, not staying with THEM again. Woke up everyone in the place far too early the other day." Or ask them if they will again rise early and wake everyone up again, if so you can leave.

Done the "asking" in a polite manner. Got no where. Got rude replies. Stares and glares.

I cannot figure out why the bike riders have to get up so early. Anyone know?
They can make lots of Kms on their bikes. So, why have to get up so early?

All of this rings back to the bike incident where a woman was assaulted. For being on the wrong side of the trail.

In the last few years I have walked three Caminos. Every year people are ruder and ruder.

By the way, I actually walked 3.5 Caminos. The first attempt, did not complete it, was in 1981. What a different world it was then. R E S P E C T was there.

 

[jo webber]

I cannot figure out why the bike riders have to get up so early.

Thanks, if I see bikes - I can look for someplace else to stay.

 

[domigee]

Thanks, if I see bikes - I can look for someplace else to stay.

They are likely to arrive long after you've settled in ... And yes, they tend to leave at 4am, waving their red headtorches around.

 

[domigee]

Question, what is early and what is late?
Is there some exact time everyone should wake up all together? (this is never going to happen)

It's all subjective. I think early is anything before 7am...
Then there is very early: 5.30/6 am
AND then there is ri-di-cu-lous-ly early (or as I see it, middle of the
night ): 4 am.
And yes, some people actually leave at that time and they - usually - aren't the quietest

 

[jo webber]

From what I have read (not been yet) many places have a 6am wake up call so everyone can be out the door by 8am. It may depend on when the sun comes up.

There are probably a few, during the early days, with time issues between where they came from and where they are. I seem to wake up in the middle of the night, hungry, because my hunger alarm hasn't changed time zones. (9hr)

 

[Deleted member 3000]

From what I have read (not been yet) many places have a 6am wake up call so everyone can be out the door by 8am. It may depend on when the sun comes up.

There is no consistency. Even places with a "rule" on leaving early cannot enforce it. Six o'clock is typical with or without a rule. Most albergues want the place cleared by 8 to 8:30 so that they can clean and get some free time before the next group of pilgrims at 1 to 3 p.m.

 

[Bajaracer]

Good post. Agree with you; but, as others told you...the ones who need to know that are not reading on here. And they don't care about others.

Walked three Caminos and everyone there were certain people who had no consideration for others. Worse was Burma on the English Way. Few guys got up around 4 or so. Turned lights on. Talked loud. Left outside door open when they went back and forth to the bathroom and the dorm area. Moved chairs and table in the kitchen area. made horrible noise.

Bad news is this was not the only place I have ran into these types.

My way of dealing with them is when they, and they do, go to bed at 7 pm I make all the noise I want.

I noticed this type goes to bed early and gets up early.

You can spot these early riser types right away, if you show up mid afternoon, they are all washed up and spend the whole afternoon napping away, then they try to turn the lights off before 8PM, sorry lights off is at 10PM or earlier if all the other pilgrims agree.
What I learned is most these early risers arrive before noon, some as early as 9AM, I guess they don't deal well with the heat. What I still don't understand is how they still close the windows at bed time.

 

[Theatregal]

Good post. Agree with you; but, as others told you...the ones who need to know that are not reading on here. And they don't care about others.

Walked three Caminos and everyone there were certain people who had no consideration for others. Worse was Bruma on the English Way. Few guys got up around 4 or so. Turned lights on. Talked loud. Left outside door open when they went back and forth to the bathroom and the dorm area. Moved chairs and table in the kitchen area. made horrible noise.

Bad news is this was not the only place I have ran into these types.

My way of dealing with them is when they, and they do, go to bed at 7 pm I make all the noise I want.

I noticed this type goes to bed early and gets up early. Which was totally uncalled for on the English Way. There were plenty of rooms. Legs between places were not that far.

Over all, my opinion of people on the Camino keeps going down hill. There are more and more RUDE people walking the Camino now. Be it bikers on the trail, or those rude ones in the A'berg. I am about ready to give up walking Caminos. Getting tired of the RUDE ones on the Camino now.

I guess a way to stop this stuff is for all of us to speak up when they are not considerate of others. Let them know what they are doing wrong.

Agreed. It can be very frustrating. I've also experienced some pretty appalling behavior. But doesn't this become an endless cycle? Them making noise in the morning and you making noise in the early evening to get back at them? Communal living with strangers will never be an ideal of like minded people. We are all just too diverse with our schedules, habits, sleep modes, along with albergues with different rules (or no rules) etc. Really, all we can do is individually be as respectful as possible and move on to a new day, new group of people - or if the situation allows, stay somewhere different if you are encountering the same rude people.

 

[HedaP]

Yep, I agree. Decided early on there was no point in fussing about it. Staying mostly in municipals with kitchens, I would just get up and go have breakfast. Then about 7 am when the lights came on I would go back to the dorm and pack. Took 15 mins max because didn't need to fart around with a torch or try (unsuccessfully) to be quiet.

 

[Bajaracer]

From my experience with the early risers, I would usually catch up to them at my first breakfast stop, and after I finished my meal they would still be hanging out. I knew they wouldn't catch up to me or pass me since they usually stopped walking early.

 

[Jersey]

Good idea, but I think you are "preaching to the choir" here on the forum ;-) Buen Camino, SY

You nailed it. Preaching to the choir lol

 

[Jersey]

From what I have read (not been yet) many places have a 6am wake up call so everyone can be out the door by 8am. It may depend on when the sun comes up.

There are probably a few, during the early days, with time issues between where they came from and where they are. I seem to wake up in the middle of the night, hungry, because my hunger alarm hasn't changed time zones. (9hr)

One more reason I plan on staying mostly in hostels pensions & hotels

 

[Jersey]

Question, what is early and what is late?
Is there some exact time everyone should wake up all together? (this is never going to happen)

Just like driving. Everyone going faster than you is a maniac.
Everyone going slower is an Old fart lol

 

[Rich1]

If I ever want/need to leave early, I simply bundle up my gear, take it outside the dorm and pack in the kitchen/communal area etc. Simple really and very quiet.
By the way, I never go to bed early; I'm just a light sleeper, and once I'm awake that's it...I'm just a little boy, excited to get back outside to play
I think the people who go to bed at 8pm and then do non-subtle coughs if you dare make a noise are just as annoying.
As several have said, it's all about respect and basic politeness & manners.

 

[Icacos]

It's always entertaining to read the complaints about appalling behaviour in albergues. The most amusing account I've heard is of the pilgrim who woke up early one morning, before anyone else was up, and went into the kitchen. A few minutes later he came back into the dormitorio and announced in a loud voice, "Tea's ready, dear."

I'm off to bed now. There won't be a soul there to bother me.

 

[Jersey]

It's always entertaining to read the complaints about appalling behaviour in albergues. The most amusing account I've heard is of the pilgrim who woke up early one morning, before anyone else was up, and went into the kitchen. A few minutes later he came back into the dormitorio and announced in a loud voice, "Tea's ready, dear."

I'm off to bed now. There won't be a soul there to bother me.

The mistake many of us make. In our daily lives and on the Camino is we assume everyone is intelligent and or should be considerate.
I'm constantly reminding my wife and friends it's not someone's fault they were not born more intelligent, anymore than it's our fault we are not smart enough to be rocket scientists or brain surgeons.
On the other hand, selfish and self righteous folks are the ones who get under my skin.

 

[Icacos]

...............
On the other hand, selfish and self righteous folks are the ones who get under my skin.

While I agree that selfish and self righteous folk are hard to be around, I'm inclined to think that it may also not be entirely their fault they are that way; each of us is a product of our past. Who knows what life experiences people have had? I'm not in any way excusing the selfish and self righteous, just saying that sometimes it's hard to work through the pain to become the type of person one might like to be. Perhaps the wish to be a better person is what calls some folk to the camino. To paraphrase @jozero in another thread, perhaps these persons need to walk until it doesn't hurt anymore.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Albergues could do what the one I stayed in in Bilbao does: turn off the main electric switch at night, only turning it back on when it's time to get up! Add that to locking people in, and voila.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I just returned from the Camino Frances. If you intend to leave the albergue very early (5:30 a.m.), please do not turn on the lights for the entire room and speak in a loud voice. It is disturbing to those who want to sleep until 6:30 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. Please have your backpack packed and ready to go and just slip out quietly. It is courteous and those who would like to get up later would greatly appreciate it.

Hahaha!
You can go back to the early 2000's and read the same complaints.
My advice is to take a sleep mask and earplugs.
It isn't going to change.

 

[Lurch]

Saying that the rude ones are a product of their environment is also saying they can't change, which I find difficult to believe. Maybe the truth is they do not want to change or see no reason to. But isn't that part of the Camino experience, to become a better person??

 

[Jersey]

While I agree that selfish and self righteous folk are hard to be around, I'm inclined to think that it may also not be entirely their fault they are that way; each of us is a product of our past. Who knows what life experiences people have had? I'm not in any way excusing the selfish and self righteous, just saying that sometimes it's hard to work through the pain to become the type of person one might like to be. Perhaps the wish to be a better person is what calls some folk to the camino. To paraphrase @jozero in another thread, perhaps these persons need to walk until it doesn't hurt anymore.

I can't disagree with that. People are complicated.
We had at work this one guy who was the most ignorant self righteous opinionated SOB you ever saw.
But he would be the first one to get out of bed in the middle of the night if your car broke down. The first guy to offer to help someone who was moving. The first guy to buy a round of drinks. Generous to a fault he was.
Go figure lol

 

[Icacos]

.......We had at work this one guy who was the most ignorant self righteous opinionated SOB you ever saw.
But he would be the first one to get out of bed in the middle of the night if your car broke down. The first guy to offer to help someone who was moving. The first guy to buy a round of drinks. Generous to a fault he was.

I've got a theory for that too! Theories, I am not short of. But I'll keep it to myself and stay out of trouble.

 

[Jean françois]

As an early riser I have no problem with the request, and abide by it.
Can I ask that you late going to bed set your stuff when you get there, and stay quiet when I'm trying to sleep. The other day pilgrims came in turned on the lights, then shined headlight in my face while talking because they didn't get things ready when they arrived

 

[domigee]

As an early riser I have no problem with the request, and abide by it.
Can I ask that you late going to bed set your stuff when you get there, and stay quiet when I'm trying to sleep. The other day pilgrims came in turned on the lights, then shined headlight in my face while talking because they didn't get things ready when they arrived

Hi Jean françois and welcome to the forum

 

[Jean françois]

Hi Jean françois and welcome to the forum

Thanks. I guess never posting makes you look new.

 

[Icacos]

Saying that the rude ones are a product of their environment is also saying they can't change, which I find difficult to believe. Maybe the truth is they do not want to change or see no reason to. But isn't that part of the Camino experience, to become a better person??

I don't think anyone is saying that the rude ones cannot change; it's just that it may be very difficult to change. However, believe it or not, there are some people who cannot change - something in their makeup prevents them from doing so - but those ones I don't think you will find on camino.

 

[simeon]

yes its annoying, disrespecting behaviour but lots only consider what their fellow pilgrim does and doesn't examine their own reaction to it or their own behaviour. We will always have those who annoy us and probably always annoy others as well. We ultimately cannot control others, Our own reaction to it is the only thing we can control.

 

[Annie Little]

Last year I thought if only it were possible for the albergue to ask on check in : are you an early or late riser and then try to group like minds together .

I am mortified at any thought I might annoy others BUT there are those who get annoyed by EVERYTHING !

In the end what annoys us is about us .
Our reaction to annoyance is also about us.
In my mind these are our learning lessons on the Camino and exposing us to ourselves ....

One more reason I plan on staying mostly in hostels pensions & hotels

That was my solution too ! But even that annoyed those who wanted to judge

If I ever want/need to leave early, I simply bundle up my gear, take it outside the dorm and pack in the kitchen/communal area etc. Simple really and very quiet.
By the way, I never go to bed early; I'm just a light sleeper, and once I'm awake that's it...I'm just a little boy, excited to get back outside to play
I think the people who go to bed at 8pm and then do non-subtle coughs if you dare make a noise are just as annoying.
As several have said, it's all about respect and basic politeness & manners.

I am the same once I wake I want to get up and going and the early mornings withsun rising over the country are a wonder to behold !

The mistake many of us make. In our daily lives and on the Camino is we assume everyone is intelligent and or should be considerate.
I'm constantly reminding my wife and friends it's not someone's fault they were not born more intelligent, anymore than it's our fault we are not smart enough to be rocket scientists or brain surgeons.
On the other hand, selfish and self righteous folks are the ones who get under my skin.

A tad self righteous tone in the sarcasm there

 

[Icacos]

I submit that on this forum we all be permitted to gripe a little bit!

 

[Theresa Ruttger]

Wax earplugs are so much better than foam. If I was on a bottom bunk I hung my towel and jacket so that I made a little curtain and couldn't see the headlamps. Upper bunk I didn't see headlamps at all.

Congregate living for under 10 Euros --everything has a draw back. The only way to ensure a good night's sleep is to get a room and pay more.

Besides, snoring is worse than early morning risers any day ---- and I know that there's been plenty written about that!

 

[domigee]

Last year I thought if only it were possible for the albergue to ask on check in : are you an early or late riser and then try to group like minds together .

They did just that at the Albergue in Grañon: early risers in one room and later risers upstairs...

 

[Jersey]

A tad self righteous tone in the sarcasm there [/QUOTE]
Perhaps but as an example I'm referring to the cashier at the store when your bill is $10.30
And you hand her $20.30 and he/she completely freezes as to what change she should hand you back lol

 

[Jersey]

I've got a theory for that too! Theories, I am not short of. But I'll keep it to myself and stay out of trouble.

I would love to hear your theory on this guy lol

 

[JillGat]

I always took all my stuff out to the kitchen/lobby/hallway to pack up in the morning, like Rich1 said. Why mess around trying to quietly pack in a dark room?? I don't get that. I segregated my things into little stuff sacks and it was easy to grab my pack, sticks, and any stuff sacks that were out and drag them out of the sleeping room. Way more convenient.

One of my goals on the Camino was to stop being so judgmental and fuming about how everyone else "should" be acting. I never accomplished this goal. I only found new categories of things about everybody else that bug me. My greatest wrath was saved for bicyclists who sped down the trail and didn't warn walkers that they were coming. But I wasn't above being furious about the people who took up the whole clothes line with their towels spread all out or even getting annoyed by the guy walking ahead of me who looked dumb in his convertible pants (why the hell not just wear shorts all the time like I do?). Some pilgrim I am.

The only thing that keeps me from spontaneous self-combustion is my sense of humor, mostly about myself.

I was also occasionally outraged by people who woke me up early in the morning, but for the most part I enjoyed staying in albergues much more than I expected to after reading about this kind of thing on this forum!

 

[Icacos]

I would love to hear your theory on this guy lol

Not going to happen.

 

[Annie Little]

They did just that at the Albergue in Grañon: early risers in one room and later risers upstairs...

Great idea in my opinion

 

[Annie Little]

I always took all my stuff out to the kitchen/lobby/hallway to pack up in the morning, like Rich1 said. Why mess around trying to quietly pack in a dark room?? I don't get that. I segregated my things into little stuff sacks and it was easy to grab my pack, sticks, and any stuff sacks that were out and drag them out of the sleeping room. Way more convenient.

One of my goals on the Camino was to stop being so judgmental and fuming about how everyone else "should" be acting. I never accomplished this goal. I only found new categories of things about everybody else that bug me. My greatest wrath was saved for bicyclists who sped down the trail and didn't warn walkers that they were coming. But I wasn't above being furious about the people who took up the whole clothes line with their towels spread all out or even getting annoyed by the guy walking ahead of me who looked dumb in his convertible pants (why the hell not just wear shorts all the time like I do?). Some pilgrim I am.

The only thing that keeps me from spontaneous self-combustion is my sense of humor, mostly about myself.

Jill in my opinion this is the most honest reply
AND also in my opinion the BEST lesson from the Camino ...
so many people say why they are doing the Camino BUT El Camino has its lessons to teach ALL ... and the lesson is NOT about others or what they do ... the real lesson is about OURSELVES ! Showing us who we really are ... our intolerances etcetc ...

 

[Telelama]

We stayed at El Pilar, in Rabanal on our last Frances. Our beds were right next to the door and those very early risers were going in and out, slamming the door or simply left it open. The very cold morning air would rush across our bunks, making an already cold morning much colder and uncomfortable for all. Either I, or our bunk mate, would go over to close the door every single time and quite frankly it was getting a bit annoying due to the frequency.

One early riser quickly came back through thinking the door was open, and it was a bit concealed due to the braids hanging across the doorway, and smacked his head pretty good on the glass door. I have to admit we did chuckle a little. Karma, it has a tendency to visit those that deserve it most, and I admit that some days its me that it visits!

 

[JulieandPeter]

I am very grateful to those early risers (I am not one); the creaking floor, the doors opening and closing and opening and closing, the water running through the pipes from the WC, the shower, the chipper teeth brushing ... the click, click, click of their sticks, an entire herd of perky sticks, make their way out the door.

Grateful for this reminder to GET UP NOW or you WILL be sorry at noon in 90 degree heat with miles to go on a seemingly endless shadeless stretch - not a single shadow to protect you from the sweltering burn of the star above. By 2:00 you will be praying those perky sticks had poked you once or twice before they slipped out the door in the cool morning air! Get up!

Every night we tell ourselves we will be like them tomorrow so we won't suffer another grueling day in the heat. Of course that never happens . . . just five more minutes and five more and so on. Thank you morning people! Can't turn you off and I'm grateful for that, but usually not until noon.

 

[Deleted member 12253]

I just returned from the Camino Frances. If you intend to leave the albergue very early (5:30 a.m.), please do not turn on the lights for the entire room and speak in a loud voice. It is disturbing to those who want to sleep until 6:30 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. Please have your backpack packed and ready to go and just slip out quietly. It is courteous and those who would like to get up later would greatly appreciate 0it.

If others seem disagreeble to you, by what miricle do you wish to appear agreeable to them

 

[Icacos]

We stayed at El Pilar, in Rabanal on our last Frances. Our beds were right next to the door and those very early risers were going in and out, slamming the door or simply left it open. The very cold morning air would rush across our bunks, making an already cold morning much colder and uncomfortable for all. Either I, or our bunk mate, would go over to close the door every single time and quite frankly it was getting a bit annoying due to the frequency.

One early riser quickly came back through thinking the door was open, and it was a bit concealed due to the braids hanging across the doorway, and smacked his head pretty good on the glass door. I have to admit we did chuckle a little. Karma, it has a tendency to visit those that deserve it most, and I admit that some days its me that it visits!

Your avatar says it all!

 

[Telelama]

Your avatar says it all!

Thanks! There's a quote that goes with this, which is; "Its garbage can, not garbage cannot" which I always related to because anyone can. It does not depend on where you came from, but how hard you try.

 

[Marbe2]

I am sure that I would have many of the same reactions if I were disturbed early in the morning! We are early risers! When we leave depends a lot upon the weather Conditions. We do not like to rush and walk abt 3km per hour! If it's predicted to be hot we leave At 5am and we stop around 7 to 8 am for a full breakfast! If we are leaving early, even though we stay in private rooms, organize our bags the night before and sleep in clean clothes or, whatever we will wear, for the next day. Even in hostels and some hotels, the walls are thin! We owe it to one another to at least try to set a good example!

 

[Jersey]

Complaining on here is preaching to the choir.
I don't condone anyone waking early and disturbing anyone's sleep but when you stay in an Albergue you are signing on the dotted line that you understand and agree you may be kept awake by folks snoring, awoken by early risers and God knows what other unintended ignorant behavior.
It's not going to stop, ever. You might reach 1 or 2 folks but that's about it.

 

[Icacos]

But we are allowed to vent, aren't we? I still laugh at the time I had to deal with a fellow-peregrina's ire after she saw someone, who had just used the facilities, exit the shared bathroom without washing his hands.

 

[Jersey]

But we are allowed to vent, aren't we? I still laugh at the time I had to deal with a fellow-peregrina's ire after she saw someone, who had just used the facilities, exit the shared bathroom without washing his hands.

Was he helping with dinner? lol

 

[Icacos]

Was he helping with dinner? lol

Didn't see. I was too busy dealing with my friend's horror.

 

[Jersey]

Didn't see. I was too busy dealing with my friend's horror.

Well, what's the worst that could happen? ha ha

 

[james walter purdum iv]

I just returned from the Camino Frances. If you intend to leave the albergue very early (5:30 a.m.), please do not turn on the lights for the entire room and speak in a loud voice. It is disturbing to those who want to sleep until 6:30 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. Please have your backpack packed and ready to go and just slip out quietly. It is courteous and those who would like to get up later would greatly appreciate it.

I'd rather have lights since my eyes are closed then noise...I don't know if you can have both... those early people always confused me to want to walk in the dark. Maybe early beds by the door and a snore room would be a part of my albergue

 

[Felipe]

Annoyed by inconsiderated early risers? Just avoid summer.
I guarantee that nobody is hurried to leave when it is freezing and dark outside. And actually, hospitaleros give some latitude to the 8 AM leaving rule.

 

[SabsP]

Annoyed by inconsiderated early risers? Just avoid summer.
I guarantee that nobody is hurried to leave when it is freezing and dark outside. And actually, hospitaleros give some latitude to the 8 AM leaving rule.

Exactly : this is what I experienced end of March this year on the Frances. In one albergue I was the only one, in two other ones there was just one other pilgrim and I....Bliss

 

[JulieandPeter]

I read this (see photo) in Brierley's guide before we set off this morning (late and in the heat). It seems to apply to this thread as well as many other aspects in life.

 

[redbackpack]

... they are all washed up and spend the whole afternoon napping away, then they try to turn the lights off before 8PM, sorry lights off is at 10PM or earlier if all the other pilgrims agree.

I experienced this during my camino... I would get to the albergue and enter a dark room, try to unpack/wash/go out to eat thinking I'd have some time to repack my stuff later. But the lights would be out again when I come back and I'd prepare for sleep as quiet as I can in the dark. In the morning I'd start to prepare for the walk when everyone is up and wouldn't have enough time to pack, just throw everything in my backpack.

What is the proper way to handle lights out before 8PM?

About early risers: from reading about the Camino, I thought starting early was necessary. I walked Portuguese way in October and realised you can't walk in the dark (and everything before 8AM was too dark). French way in the summer starts earlier but isn't 5:30 still too early? Do they walk in the dark?

 

[Deleted member 56069]

My wife and I only stay in the bunk rooms at Albergues if there is no other option available.
We are early risers so we do not wish to disturb fellow pilgrims who wish to sleep longer so we look for private rooms at albergues or Pensions or sometimes hotels.
We find this reduces stress and makes our Camino so much more enjoyable.
We have head lamps when we are on trails early in the morning, but also to make our selves visible when we are proximity to any roads.
We enjoy our early starts and some of our most memorable moments were during our early mornings.

 

[james walter purdum iv]

A small flashlight will get you to your bunk but I would just turn on the light before 10pm. It's unrealistic to have lights out before then. If you want lights out just keep your eyes closed!

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

I always took all my stuff out to the kitchen/lobby/hallway to pack up in the morning, like Rich1 said. Why mess around trying to quietly pack in a dark room?? I don't get that. I segregated my things into little stuff sacks and it was easy to grab my pack, sticks, and any stuff sacks that were out and drag them out of the sleeping room. Way more convenient.

One of my goals on the Camino was to stop being so judgmental and fuming about how everyone else "should" be acting. I never accomplished this goal. I only found new categories of things about everybody else that bug me. My greatest wrath was saved for bicyclists who sped down the trail and didn't warn walkers that they were coming. But I wasn't above being furious about the people who took up the whole clothes line with their towels spread all out or even getting annoyed by the guy walking ahead of me who looked dumb in his convertible pants (why the hell not just wear shorts all the time like I do?). Some pilgrim I am.

The only thing that keeps me from spontaneous self-combustion is my sense of humor, mostly about myself.

I was also occasionally outraged by people who woke me up early in the morning, but for the most part I enjoyed staying in albergues much more than I expected to after reading about this kind of thing on this forum!

JillGat and Rich1 - That, in my opinion, is the right way to do it.

 

[Bajaracer]

Turn on the lights as you see fit, these early risers have been sleeping the whole afternoon and early evening, they don't have any consideration for you during the day and early evening, and they don't have any consideration when they make all that noise when they wake up at 3-4AM.

 

[long trails]

You needed to post this on other language forums as I noticed noisy pilgrims tended to not be english speakers.

 

[nycwalking]

Isn't this a bit harsh? Talking about rights etc..." Your rights end where mine begin " springs to mind.
Like the OP writes : it is about courtesy.

Sorry to all the hospis that I must have made nervous by staying in the albergue till 8 am.
Not to mention those three occasions where I actually stayed until 9 am because we got into a nice conversation....Shame one me [/QUOTE

SabineP,

In the movie " The Way", hospitalero tells Tom, "Americans are always late'. And, once when I was dragging out of bed at 8an, hospitalero told me North Americans, are often late. I always made it out just before clean-up; but barely.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Well most of the Alburgue I have been staying in the doors open at 630. I leave early as well. So I get up pack my gear and go as quiet as i can. I pay the same and have the same rights as late sleepers. Who btw make the staff nervous as some people are late getting out thus throwing off the schedule. It's futile. Good luck with your endeavors. Or get a room
My thoughts. Oh I am a walker not just a talker.

It's all about respect for each other.

Nothing more nothing less.

 

[james walter purdum iv]

I pay the same and have the same rights as late sleepers.

It's all about respect for each other.

Nothing more nothing less.

All is forgotten after the first 5km... a new day!!

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

All is forgotten after the first 5km... a new day!!

Delete the first line,made a mistake quoting it from some one else.

Wish you well,Peter.

 

[james walter purdum iv]

Deleted

I think municipalities are a a big part of the camino

 

[jerbear]

yes I agree. RESPECT. IS the answer. I just keep seeing less and less. However. I try.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Camino after Camino this has been experienced. There will always be "That guy" in the hostels along the way that will make everyone around him/her roll their eyes when they arrive at the next albergue. All it takes is for people, on a consistent basis, to talk to him (or her) about their lack of consideration of others (making noise or turning on lights) to get the message across to them. Like anyone if he/she hears it enough times they should get the hint that it is their problem not the problem of the ones trying to sleep. .............Just my opinion...........

 

[Bajaracer]

I experienced this during my camino... I would get to the albergue and enter a dark room, try to unpack/wash/go out to eat thinking I'd have some time to repack my stuff later. But the lights would be out again when I come back and I'd prepare for sleep as quiet as I can in the dark. In the morning I'd start to prepare for the walk when everyone is up and wouldn't have enough time to pack, just throw everything in my backpack.

What is the proper way to handle lights out before 8PM?

About early risers: from reading about the Camino, I thought starting early was necessary. I walked Portuguese way in October and realised you can't walk in the dark (and everything before 8AM was too dark). French way in the summer starts earlier but isn't 5:30 still too early? Do they walk in the dark?

The proper way to handle lights out before 8PM is turn the lights on, house rules is lights out at 10PM, earlier if everyone is in bed.

Starting early is your choice, the reason why some start early is because they don't deal well with the heat, they fear not finding a bed. (and will show up to the albergue at 9AM and wait until 1PM for them to open)
I left in the dark a few times, I was also walking 30k+ on those days, most days I left at first light.

 

[Stivandrer]

I did not read the entire thread, only saying this:

I have given up entirely. I have ear plugs, and turn the other side...
When the upper bunk shakes, I get up and start packing absentmindedly...

Ach, it is not so bad, sleeping in late is overrated anyway...

Actuaslly, ever since I first started doing caminoes, I have at home resorted to getting up early, at 3 or 4, doing my breakfast, realizing I am not on the Camino, and then going to bed again !!

I feel that Camino life has changed my sleeping quality considerably !! - And I still have a choice..

 

[Nigel Clark]

I have only recently returned from my first Camino Frances and fully expected to have disturbed sleep patterns . However after getting acclimatised to Alberque living I just accepted things as they were and got on with it by burying myself in my sleeping bag liner . I did have a hotel room in Burgos and Leon but then actually quite missed dormitory life!!
But none of this in any way detracted form the wonderful experience that I had on the Camino and can't wait to do it again.

 

[VNwalking]

But doesn't this become an endless cycle? Them making noise in the morning and you making noise in the early evening to get back at them?

Yeah, exactly. All wars start like this.
It's not the noise and selfishness that's the problem. That's just human nature doing it's thing.
But how I react with annoyance, or not, is my business to realize, as is (if necessary) finding a way to feed a positive endless cycle instead.
It's not easy, but if I can walk 800+ kms, I guess I can do that too....

 

[Angie94]

It's always entertaining to read the complaints about appalling behaviour in albergues. The most amusing account I've heard is of the pilgrim who woke up early one morning, before anyone else was up, and went into the kitchen. A few minutes later he came back into the dormitorio and announced in a loud voice, "Tea's ready, dear."

I'm off to bed now. There won't be a soul there to bother me.

HAH! I remember reading that one!!

 

[Kieran Kenneally]

Done the "asking" in a polite manner. Got no where. Got rude replies. Stares and glares.

I cannot figure out why the bike riders have to get up so early. Anyone know?
They can make lots of Kms on their bikes. So, why have to get up so early?

All of this rings back to the bike incident where a woman was assaulted. For being on the wrong side of the trail.

In the last few years I have walked three Caminos. Every year people are ruder and ruder.

By the way, I actually walked 3.5 Caminos. The first attempt, did not complete it, was in 1981. What a different world it was then. R E S P E C T was there.

Perhaps because it has become soooo popular and people don't walk it for the traditional reasons anymore that it attracts people who are largely insensitive by and large in their everyday lives (perhaps a huge generalization but hopefully you know what I mean). You can take the boy out of the bog but you can't take the bog out of the boy.With rights come responsibility all folks want is a modicum of sensitivity and courtesy to a fellow pilgrim. Are we talking to the converted? Yes jeepers creepers there must be an echo in here

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Kieran,
All good and valid points to consider

 

[Kieran Kenneally]

Delete the first line,made a mistake quoting it from some one else.

Wish you well,Peter.

Now that's the sort of thing that's going to keep me up all night what was the first line???

 

[Jersey]

Why do I never see the early risers complain about the folks that spend half the morning sleeping the day away? LOL

 

[Anemone del Camino]

People, put on your markeing hats and start segmenting the offer: albergues for early risers, albergues for those wantong to rest until, let's say 7am. Any early riser sleeping in a "restful" albergue gets a, mild, electric shock, when putting on a foot on the floor.

My appologies to men with iffy prostates... You get to sleep with the early risers.

 

[High Endeavours]

I have spent an entertaining bit of time reading this string, and thanks for everyone's comments, great memories!! Clearly there really isn't a solution that will satisfy everyone. I'm just home from walking the 88 Temple Henro in Japan, an amazing journey. There things are well organized in your minshuku accommodation. Breakfast most days at 6 am and then you are free to leave and walk to your hearts content. You get your own Japanese style room and sleep on the floors, but the walls are so thin that you still have that wonderful Camino experience of snoring and early risers and the doors, and all that fun stuff! However, there are only about 300 foreigners and 1000 Japanese nationals walking the 1200 kms each year, so it's pretty tolerable and everyone is infinitely polite. I guess if you don't like the early risers, the late risers, the bike riders, the lights, and all the other things that really make up the Camino experience then consider skipping the overcrowded Frances and walking the less travelled routes...perhaps the Plata, the Dos Faros, the Inverino, the Arles, the Madrid, the Sabreses....all amazing experiences These are usually very quiet and you don't have too many of these problems As a matter of fact, there are often so few people that you actually WANT to get up when the others do to talk a little and to have a bit of company before you solo all day. Just something to think about

 

[nycwalking]

Bragging: I sleep late and like a stone so I miss all posted excitement. Only awakened twice in all caminos ... by nocturnal screamers who could have animated the dead.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I'm just home from walking the 88 Temple Henro in Japan, an amazing journey. There things are well organized in your minshuku accommodation. Breakfast most days at 6 am and then you are free to leave and walk to your hearts content.

Would love to hear more about Shikoku. It was my understanding it is not as organised as the Frances, with nights spent on the beach in your tent, depending on locals' charity for food, and some rather adventurous river crossings and many scary snakes.

Mind you, that is for those who chose to walk vs those bussing, which is a-ok on that pilgrimage. Again, as far as I understand it.

If there is a Shikoku sub-forum on this Forum, would you post more about it there?

 

[High Endeavours]

Would love to hear more about Shikoku. It was my understanding it is not as organised as the Frances, with nights spent on the beach in your tent, depending on locals' charity for food, and some rather adventurous river crossings and many scary snakes.

Mind you, that is for those who chose to walk vs those bussing, which is a-ok on that pilgrimage. Again, as far as I understand it.

If there is a Shikiku sub-forum on this Forum, would you post more about it there?

Hi. I'll have a look and let you know if there is a reference here. It is indeed a very special experience. Yes lots of snakes in the jungle areas (but this is manageable) and the walk is much more challenging than anything I've walked so far in Europe. I lost over 10 lbs, and I didn't have much extra on me to loose before I left!

It's a very spiritual walk if you are so inclined, and yes the Japanese (150,000 each year) mostly take bus tours temple to temple as for them it's a very Buddhist experience...it's all about the temples. Very interesting to watch. I stayed in a number of temples and was encouraged to attend the early morning prayers though I'm not Buddhist.

If you are interested you can find my daily blog on the Canadian Company of Pilgrims website as they posted it before I began and I had plenty of virtual company as I walked I never looked for it on the website as I didn't want what I wrote to be influenced by 'viewer pressure' as I write my walking journal for myself. but many seem to like to follow the journey vicariously which is nice. It may still be up, and if you want further information please feel free to PM me and I'll provide you with my email address and my Canadian location. Perhaps we live close by each other which might be a bit surprising given the size of our country, though stranger things have happened. Very best,
Geoff

 

[Icacos]

Why do I never see the early risers complain about the folks that spend half the morning sleeping the day away? LOL

Could it be ........ what the eyes don't see, the heart don't feel ?

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Now that's the sort of thing that's going to keep me up all night what was the first line???

I pay the same and have the same rights as late sleepers.
This was the first line, hope you can catch your sleep again .?
Wish you well,Peter.

 

[Jersey]

Could it be ........ what the eyes don't see, the heart don't feel ?

Anything is possible
but I have a theory. Of course not proven. But.
For a large percentage of the population, 6 or 7 hours is a full nights sleep. So if you put these folks to sleep at 10pm, what time do we expect them to awaken?
I'm sure many of these folks are aware they might be disturbing other people no matter how hard they try to stay quiet.
What are they suppose to do? Lay in bed wide awake for two hours listening to people snore.
BTW I'm a late sleeper. I have no skin in this game.

 

[Lance Chambers]

If we can get rid of plastic bags to put our stuff into it will help a lot as it is the rustling of plastic bags that wakes me up.

I have cloth bags specifically made for the Camino so that I don't make a noise. I sleep in my clothes for the next day. My socks are stuffed into my boots for the next day. I shower the night before. I can get out of my bunk and pack without any light as I know where I have put everything becuase it's planned. None of this is hard to do.

 

[jeannick]

Walking in late autumn , the early departure wasn't really an option , it was dark and getting darker everyday ,
an 8am departure was the common consensus , obviously noon heat wasn't much an issue

 

[Kieran Kenneally]

Bragging: I sleep late and like a stone so I miss all posted excitement. Only awakened twice in all caminos ... by nocturnal screamers who could have animated the dead.

Probably an early riser who dreamt they had slept in late

 

[james walter purdum iv]

Probably an early riser who dreamt they had slept in late

I took a private room in Leon and slept till 11... I laughed because I didn't think to set an alarm because all those people were my alarm lol

 

[jo webber]

It seems to apply to this thread as well as many other aspects in life.

Thank you.