- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances
SJPP to SdC, 2023
CF, 2024
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Would love to hear about your Grado experience!While I enjoy walking the various camino's ... being a hospitalero has become my real passion ! I've been lucky enough to spend time in various albergues over the past few years, and my only regret is I didn't start volunteering earlier ! Hard work, and worth every minute ! Pilgrim's from all over the world that need a break, a bed, and a warm smile. 2024 will be a time for 3 more times as a volunteer ... Villadangoes, Salamanca and Grado. Would be more if Canada wasn't to far away (and a bit pricey with travel).
I was a hospitalero in Grado in 2022 and enjoyed it … very nice albergue and Grado is a lovely town. There were two of us for the 2 week period, it was busy, but certainly not overwhelming. I become very proficient in cooking eggs, sunny side, over easy or however a pilgrim wantedWould love to hear about your Grado experience!
I’ve stayed in the Grado albergue… we had two very nice Dutch hospitaleros when we were there… I forget the details of breakfast, but I loved arriving to ice-water with lemon, biscuits and a very warm welcome. Lovely setting, nice dorm and facilities… and I quite like Grado… I also really liked the monastery albergue in Campiello. Was it Campiello? Ugh… I’m tired… but the monastery was lovely. I deliberately took a short day from Grado to be able to stay In the monastery.I was a hospitalero in Grado in 2022 and enjoyed it … very nice albergue and Grado is a lovely town. There were two of us for the 2 week period, it was busy, but certainly not overwhelming. I become very proficient in cooking eggs, sunny side, over easy or however a pilgrim wanted. Will be back there in May … looking forward to it !
What a pity that this albergue has closed It was , together wit O Xistral my favourite albergue on the Norte. Interesting to see "the back of the medal" ( like we say in dutch) via the experience of a hospitaleroI voted 'been there, done that' and 'no'. That is my story in a nutshell.
It was 2017 and I was walking on the Camino del Norte. I had walked for about 2,5 weeks and for some reason I was losing the spirit to move on. As I didn't really know what to do I walked on for another day and arrived in albergue El Reposo del Andayón in Cuerres (doesn't exist anymore).
It was a donativo albergue that had opened only a couple of weeks ago. At dinner the owner told us that she considered working with hospitaleros. I saw it as a sign and as a 'the Camino provides', so after dinner I asked her if I could stay and work as a hospitalera. The next morning I was serving breakfast to my fellow pilgrims.
I stayed for another 2,5 weeks and then gave up. It was exhausting. Not the work itself, but to be around people almost all the time. I happened to be a much bigger introvert than I thought I was.
I had a full schedule 7 days a week: getting up at 6.45am to prepare breakfast, waking up pilgrims, serving breakfast, trying to get everyone out of the door by 9.00am and then cleaning and making the beds until 12.00am. Then I got my holy hours of free time. If it wasn't raining I went out with the dog or walked to the closest beach.
I had to be back at 3.00pm to receive pilgrims, registrate them, show them around, explain them the (many) rules and from then on I just had to be present. Around 6.00pm I would start helping cooking and we would have dinner at 8.00pm. After dinner I would clean up before I could retire to my room around 10.30pm. I then still had to listen to the chatting of my roommate, a friend of the owner who didn't stop complaining about her.
It wore me out to a point that I locked myself up in the bathroom to read a book. So, yes been there, done that, learned a lot about myself and no, wouldn't do it again. Well, at least not under the same circumstances.
To her defense, I was her first hospitalera and she had no idea. Afterwards I explained to her that you can't let hospitaleros work that many hours on their own (we prepared dinner together, but I did the breakfast, the cleaning and the reception on my own 7 days a week). She seemed to understand me, so it is very likely that other hospitaleros got a better experience. Besides, my biggest problem was not the work, but the constant human interaction that I couldn't cope with.What a pity that this albergue has closed It was , together wit O Xistral my favourite albergue on the Norte. Interesting to see "the back of the medal" ( like we say in dutch) via the experience of a hospitalero
I stayed there two years in a row. The first year the procedure was like in many albergues, to leave your backpack downstairs and take the things you need up in the basket. The next year we had to shower outside and change clothes into things provided by them. It was peculiar and unique on the Camino but I understood the motivation they gave. 5 times they had bedbugs and it is very difficult to cope with the problem if you don't want to use a "chemical" deterrent. I don't know when they changed from beds to bunks,both times I stayed there I slept in a bed. I don't know why it is closed and if it will reopen sometimes as an albergueTo her defense, I was her first hospitalera and she had no idea. Afterwards I explained to her that you can't let hospitaleros work that many hours on their own (we prepared dinner together, but I did the breakfast, the cleaning and the reception on my own 7 days a week). She seemed to understand me, so it is very likely that other hospitaleros got a better experience. Besides, my biggest problem was not the work, but the constant human interaction that I couldn't cope with.
On a different note, I agree with you that the albergue was very special to stay in as a pilgrim. At least in the beginning. It was a big and beautiful building, with beds instead of bunks, a great vegetarian dinner and a good breakfast. But the owner was also a bit neurotic. That got quite far later on. To the extent that pilgrims had to leave their backpacks on the porch, had to shower outside and wear special clothes in the albergue that were handed out to them.
The beds were never changed to bunks. She quit when turning 70, because she wanted to travel and have more freedom. The building (albergue and casa de aldea) is for sale now. Asking price is €1.590.000.I stayed there two years in a row. The first year the procedure was like in many albergues, to leave your backpack downstairs and take the things you need up in the basket. The next year we had to shower outside and change clothes into things provided by them. It was peculiar and unique on the Camino but I understood the motivation they gave. 5 times they had bedbugs and it is very difficult to cope with the problem if you don't want to use a "chemical" deterrent. I don't know when they changed from beds to bunks,both times I stayed there I slept in a bed. I don't know why it is closed and if it will reopen sometimes as an albergue
This is something I have never heard of! What kind of clothes did they provide that would fit each person? And when did you get to change back into your own clothes...before bed, or in the morning?change clothes into things provided by them. It was peculiar and unique on the Camino but I understood the motivation they gave.
Wow, must be a big place! In some places in Asturias you can buy whole villages for less than half of that!The beds were never changed to bunks. She quit when turning 70, because she wanted to travel and have more freedom. The building (albergue and casa de aldea) is for sale now. Asking price is €1.590.000.
Not orange jump suits I'm guessingThis is something I have never heard of! What kind of clothes did they provide that would fit each person?
White Tyvek decorators/scene of crime suits might work. Cheap. Bedbugs would be pretty visible with that background. And the fabric is quite slippery so the little buggers might just slide off....Not orange jump suits I'm guessing
Very fancy (biopassive) building. Expensive location. But I wonder if anyone would buy it for that price.Wow, must be a big place! In some places in Asturias you can buy whole villages for less than half of that!
It's quite obvious why that albergue closed down.View attachment 161866Just found this photo from the last trip advisor review (4.5 stars).
Interesting. I’ve done the Norte (parts) twice (2018, 2019). In 2018, I stayed there. But I don’t really remember anything “off.” In 2019, I was a passerby looking for something to eat. In order to enter, I was told that my small daypack had to be left outside. It was not up for discussion. I refused and moved on.To her defense, I was her first hospitalera and she had no idea. Afterwards I explained to her that you can't let hospitaleros work that many hours on their own (we prepared dinner together, but I did the breakfast, the cleaning and the reception on my own 7 days a week). She seemed to understand me, so it is very likely that other hospitaleros got a better experience. Besides, my biggest problem was not the work, but the constant human interaction that I couldn't cope with.
On a different note, I agree with you that the albergue was very special to stay in as a pilgrim. At least in the beginning. It was a big and beautiful building, with beds instead of bunks, a great vegetarian dinner and a good breakfast. But the owner was also a bit neurotic. That got quite far later on. To the extent that pilgrims had to leave their backpacks on the porch, had to shower outside and wear special clothes in the albergue that were handed out to them.
I am planning to take the hospitalero training this spring, and I’m really looking forward to it! I hope that it will bring an opportunity for me to volunteer in 2025. Not sure where I would be inclined to volunteer, but I welcome suggestions!Would you consider helping in an albergue following your Camino? If you have, what were your experiences like?
Especially interested in hearing from those who stayed on in Spain or France, or Portugal immediately following your pilgrimmage...
Thank you all for "your humble opinions"!!
Thank you for your service to the Caminos. My wife, Pamela Grubaugh-Littig and I have had the joy of being Hospitalero and Host and would welcome the opportunity again in 2024. We are on a fixed budget so finding an appointment in September or October would give us the advantage of finding cheaper LOL airfares. Let us know if we can help...... Pam & WillyStep right up, Alex. It's about time you graduated to the other side of the desk!
Hospitalero-ing is not brain surgery, but it does require a lot of flexibility, hard work, and common sense. Like pilgrimage itself, it is not for everybody, but it is a logical next step for many pilgrims -- especially those who've done multiple caminos. The old stand-by volunteers who've been running the non-profit albergue network for decades are now aging out of the role. It is time for new people to step up and give something back to the non-profit community that makes this whole Camino thing work.
Do you have any feedback on volunteering in Nàjera? My husband and I are going to volunteer there as first time or hospitaleros this summer.I have volunteered as a hospitalera half-a-dozen times, including twice at Najera and last spring at Easter at Calzadillos de los Hermanillos. I found it both challenging and rewarding, and quite different, depending on which albergue I was serving at. Last spring was both the first time that I served alone and the first time that I was responsible for opening up an albergue for the season. I found myself concentrating on my duties, and with less social interaction with the pilgrims. By the time that I moved on, I was more relaxed and more confident. Nonetheless, I am getting weary and don't know if I shall volunteer to serve again.
I may have to pay a visit to you & Patrick (say hello) this spring to talk it over.Step right up, Alex. It's about time you graduated to the other side of the desk!
Hospitalero-ing is not brain surgery, but it does require a lot of flexibility, hard work, and common sense. Like pilgrimage itself, it is not for everybody, but it is a logical next step for many pilgrims -- especially those who've done multiple caminos. The old stand-by volunteers who've been running the non-profit albergue network for decades are now aging out of the role. It is time for new people to step up and give something back to the non-profit community that makes this whole Camino thing work.
Najera is a large albergue and has undergone various changes over the years. My first visit was as a pilgrim. As an older woman, I was given a lower bunk to sleep on. In those days, hospitaleros sometimes decided who got which bed, in what was then a large room crowded with numerous beds and pilgrims. I guess that the young men got there first and would choose the lower bunk if given free choice. At any rate, I went to sleep to wake late at night and discover that an older man had been given the bunk adjacent to mine, and had rolled over halfway into my bunk. I did my best to ignore him and go back to sleep.Do you have any feedback on volunteering in Nàjera? My husband and I are going to volunteer there as first time or hospitaleros this summer.
Am I a brain surgeon? No. But my son is, so I am pretty close.Step right up, Alex. Hospitalero-ing is not brain surgery, but it does require a lot of flexibility, hard work, and common sense.
I’ll be there in May!I volunteered at Nájera last November. Relentless but not especially hard work—“on” 24/7 except for a few hours in the middle of the day, when I’d grab a coffee, chat a bit with locals, and walk, usually the path toward San Millán. Mostly amazing pilgrims; the occasional troublemaker. Hardest part for me was staying awake until 10:00pm every night, to lock doors, and make sure everyone and everything was ok for the night, after being awake since 5:30am. Best part was listening to the stories, so many beautiful stories.
Love it so much I can’t wait to go back…will be there in March for the month! Nájera needs support. It’s not the prettiest or the most exotic albergue. But it’s situated at a bit of an internal turning point in the pilgrimage for many. (And at 48 beds, it’s far more manageable than it was in the past.) I was honored to accompany pilgrims. I remain grateful to the hospis who came before and were so generous with their advice and support. For me it’s a whole ‘nother way of experiencing Camino culture; I feel like I am connected to the long history of hospitality that defines it.
Contact Rebekah Scott here on the forum and /or FICS if you’re interested specifically in Nájera.
I volunteered at Nájera last November. Relentless but not especially hard work—“on” 24/7 except for a few hours in the middle of the day, when I’d grab a coffee, chat a bit with locals, and walk, usually the path toward San Millán. Mostly amazing pilgrims; the occasional troublemaker. Hardest part for me was staying awake until 10:00pm every night, to lock doors, and make sure everyone and everything was ok for the night, after being awake since 5:30am. Best part was listening to the stories, so many beautiful stories.
Love it so much I can’t wait to go back…will be there in March for the month! Nájera needs support. It’s not the prettiest or the most exotic albergue. But it’s situated at a bit of an internal turning point in the pilgrimage for many. (And at 48 beds, it’s far more manageable than it was in the past.) I was honored to accompany pilgrims. I remain grateful to the hospis who came before and were so generous with their advice and support. For me it’s a whole ‘nother way of experiencing Camino culture; I feel like I am connected to the long history of hospitality that defines it.
Contact Rebekah Scott here on the forum and /or FICS if you’re interested specifically in Nájera.
If it is HosVol, they prefer you to say when you are available and they will assign you to where you are needed.I am planning to take the hospitalero training this spring, and I’m really looking forward to it! I hope that it will bring an opportunity for me to volunteer in 2025. Not sure where I would be inclined to volunteer, but I welcome suggestions!
Talk to Rebekah ScottI would like to volunteer at San Anton next year. I love to cook and know how to cook for groups.
Jenny, that is kinda what I'm hoping to do, as I start my hospitalero lifestyle...lol...I’m now volunteering at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago after hearing of @t2andreo and @IngridF ‘s experiences there (discussions off Forum - we’ve been friends for years thanks to the Forum) - thank you both so very much for your recommendation to do this wonderful work. First up was the two weeks over the Feast Day last year and I’m volunteering again in May this year. It’s the most fantastic experience. To be the person who issues a pilgrim’s compostela was often a very moving experience and always a huge privilege. I loved each and every day working there.
Hi David! I'm heading to London in May....Tom Friesen is apparently doing a second training....which is good as I don't really relish heading to Ottawa in January...In fact, I've signed up for Hospitalero training later this month.
I would love to make a request of you...if you might...Thank you for your service to the Caminos. My wife, Pamela Grubaugh-Littig and I have had the joy of being Hospitalero and Host and would welcome the opportunity again in 2024. We are on a fixed budget so finding an appointment in September or October would give us the advantage of finding cheaper LOL airfares. Let us know if we can help...... Pam & Willy
I will be in Spain in May, so I will have to take my chances with the roads in January.Hi David! I'm heading to London in May....Tom Friesen is apparently doing a second training....which is good as I don't really relish heading to Ottawa in January...
Maybe see you there.I will be in Spain in May, so I will have to take my chances with the roads in January.
Maybe I'll see you both there!! Heading out around 14-16 from SJPPMaybe see you there.
Probably not me unless you get to Santiago in a day or two. Not even the cyclists can manage that.Maybe I'll see you both there!! Heading out around 14-16 from SJPP
Buen Camino Amigos!
#1 is the new configuration of the dorm. #2 is the main room temporarily configured for dinner one evening. (All pilgrims in this photo gave permission to post on FICS website.) Please note: making/serving a communal dinner is NOT required at this albergue…it just sort of…happened…most nights
Mostly amazing pilgrims; the occasional troublemaker.
Love it so much I can’t wait to go back…will be there in March for the month! Nájera needs support.
@Rebekah Scott has asked me to be a hospilalero there this year. Seems I will be working there 15-30 April...Contact Rebekah Scott here on the forum and /or FICS if you’re interested specifically in Nájera.
My husband and I will be hospitaleros at Najera from 1-15 June - looking forward to it!@Rebekah Scott has asked me to be a hospilalero there this year. Seems I will be working there 15-30 April...
oh wow! I'll be around there then! which one? I'd like to pop in and see what lessons you've been learning if possible?My husband and I will be hospitaleros at Najera from 1-15 June - looking forward to it!
oh wow! I'll be around there then! which one? I'd like to pop in and see what lessons you've been learning if possible?
gary
Would love to share any lessons learned!oh wow! I'll be around there then! which one? I'd like to pop in and see what lessons you've been learning if possible?
gary
I would love to make a request of you...if you might...
I would love to serve somewhere, but I purchased a one-way to Biarritz, starting in SJPP, and don't have a "hard stop" ....although it is likely that by June sometime I'll have some idea when my this camino will be complete. I just wonder if I might be a + 1 somewhere as I don't have a firm ending?
thanks so much for contributing and the offer of assistance, Pelegrinos!
Hi Laurie, can you tell me some more about volunteering in winter please?Hola from Najera - your current hospitalero! I have served as a hospi in all the seasons at Najera, Grado and Canfranc plus a private albergue near Muxia and that's something you might want to consider--serving in winter, if you are open to being by yourself. The winter is definitely quieter but not as quiet as I expected. More people seem to be walking in winter now, as several of the peregrinos have expressed due to it being quieter than other times, which they prefer.
I know the need is great for year round so if you have any specific questions, feel free to msg me through the Forum. And when serving with others, flexibility is key! Buen Camino!
Hi Pam—Main difference is that there are less people and maybe a little different vibe but the hospitalero experience is pretty much the same. Every day the energy is a little different based on the group. Contact Rebekah Scott to let her know you’re interested.Hi Laurie, can you tell me some more about volunteering in winter please?
I was a hospitalera in 2019 at Viana, absolutely loved it and would love to do it again this year but am only available in winter. Thanks. Pam
Thanks Laurie.Hi Pam—Main difference is that there are less people and maybe a little different vibe but the hospitalero experience is pretty much the same. Every day the energy is a little different based on the group. Contact Rebekah Scott to let her know you’re interested.
Rebekah!This is a tough request. We really need volunteers for Najera this summer, but we need to know who is coming and when. People who are serious about helping out should get in touch with me soon, (use the private message feature, or email me at rebrites @ gmail. com) we can work things out. If the trends continue, we are going to see some non-profit albergues closing without notice this summer due to lack of volunteers.
Everybody wants to do the camino, often multiple times. Evidently, not enough want to take the next step, and help us keep it going into the future.
You can email me at rebrites @ yahoo.com. I am pretty short on Canadian hospitaleros this year, it would be cool to have more than just one!Rebekah!
Thanks so much for your reply. Please forward some contact info. I've set up to take the hospitelero training in May, and I know that it seems more folks are wanting to help.
I "should" be done sometime in early July. Do you want to book something a little later? Note: you are the ONLY person here that is actually sounding like you want to book some time for me! I really appreciate that! Gary
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