Reporting Agression: Advice

[CaminoAddict]

Having read today about an aggressive pilgrim being reported, it jolted my memory as to an unpleasant experience I and other pilgrims had in August at an Albergue. At the time I decided to report the hospitalero as their behaviour was unacceptable and frightened many of the female pilgrims.
Since then I've thought carefully about the whole episode - we all have bad days, etc etc, and made excuses for their behaviour. But the news article reminded me of the whole episode - which, so I was advised along the route, wasn't isolated.
I will outline our experience here:
The hospitalero asserted to all new arrivals that backpacks remain on the floor and are not allowed on beds - nothing new there (for obvious reasons - BB's, dirt, leaking fluids) unless you are starting your first-camino and need to learn the rules. I slept for perhaps an hour and awoke to find my 'neighbours' pack - very close proximity to my bed, had been placed on the floor but had fallen forward, some of its content spilling out. The hospitalero came in and called me selfish and lazy for not uprighting the pack and putting the items back for the absent pilgrim. He was unnecessarily loud and unpleasant with me as he did this himself - I didn't have the chance to explain that I never handle other peoples property for fear of being accused of rummaging for items to steal (due to an unpleasant experience on my first camino when I was falsely accused of stealing a phone.) Okay, this was not much - perhaps he 'bad day' excuse and I normally don't respond to such things. It was a sign of things to come.
I slept further, and awoke to find my neighbour on her bed, resting but awake. We were on low beds. We couldn't see what was on the bunks above us. The hospitalero came in in a rage and threw the backpacks of absent pilgrims onto the floor which had been placed on the top bunks - three in all, and another from a low bed. He slammed them into the floor, shouting and complaining. He slammed them so hard that an aluminium bottle in one pack split and the contents flooded the cramped floor area. We told him and he moped-up the floor. This frightened my neighbour. The next day we walked 40km together and she told me how the incident shook her up. It was like an explosion of rage.
Also, the women's shower door did not close properly and users frequently exposed themselves to the main corridor. This should have been repaired, I heard from other pilgrims its been like that for some time.
Then there was an issue over bed bugs - reportedly found by pilgrims that evening and the next day. I did not witness this but pilgrims told me along the way that in the morning he went into a rage of denial claiming there are no BB's in his albergue.
I know pilgrims were frightened by his rage on both accounts, disgusted by the way he handled their property and upset about the shower door. It was all talking-points when pilgrims met up along the way.
I am not using the word 'rage' lightly. I am not alone in my concerns about this hospitalero. Pilgrims have the right to be respected - and their property, as much as any hospitalero, as well as privacy. I consider this hospitalero to have aggression issues and the state of the albergue to be unacceptable (I've worked with people with behavioural problems). We put up with a lot as pilgrims - well, I do anyway: over-charging, short-changed, unpleasant locals, poor food. The wonderful and blessed experiences, kind and generous locals more than make-up for any general issues. We pass-through locations on our way, leave much behind, look forward and learn all the time. But we should not have to tolerate such aggression and unpleasantness.
Should I make a formal complaint to some sort of authority? Whom? The albergue is run by a catholic diocese. I don't speak Spanish so can't write a complaint. You're advice and direction is welcome, please.
Spirit & Truth, Love, Light & Nature
Ralph Keith

 

[Harland2019]

Having read today about an aggressive pilgrim being reported, it jolted my memory as to an unpleasant experience I and other pilgrims had in August at an Albergue. At the time I decided to report the hospitalero as their behaviour was unacceptable and frightened many of the female pilgrims.
Since then I've thought carefully about the whole episode - we all have bad days, etc etc, and made excuses for their behaviour. But the news article reminded me of the whole episode - which, so I was advised along the route, wasn't isolated.
I will outline our experience here:
The hospitalero asserted to all new arrivals that backpacks remain on the floor and are not allowed on beds - nothing new there (for obvious reasons - BB's, dirt, leaking fluids) unless you are starting your first-camino and need to learn the rules. I slept for perhaps an hour and awoke to find my 'neighbours' pack - very close proximity to my bed, had been placed on the floor but had fallen forward, some of its content spilling out. The hospitalero came in and called me selfish and lazy for not uprighting the pack and putting the items back for the absent pilgrim. He was unnecessarily loud and unpleasant with me as he did this himself - I didn't have the chance to explain that I never handle other peoples property for fear of being accused of rummaging for items to steal (due to an unpleasant experience on my first camino when I was falsely accused of stealing a phone.) Okay, this was not much - perhaps he 'bad day' excuse and I normally don't respond to such things. It was a sign of things to come.
I slept further, and awoke to find my neighbour on her bed, resting but awake. We were on low beds. We couldn't see what was on the bunks above us. The hospitalero came in in a rage and threw the backpacks of absent pilgrims onto the floor which had been placed on the top bunks - three in all, and another from a low bed. He slammed them into the floor, shouting and complaining. He slammed them so hard that an aluminium bottle in one pack split and the contents flooded the cramped floor area. We told him and he moped-up the floor. This frightened my neighbour. The next day we walked 40km together and she told me how the incident shook her up. It was like an explosion of rage.
Also, the women's shower door did not close properly and users frequently exposed themselves to the main corridor. This should have been repaired, I heard from other pilgrims its been like that for some time.
Then there was an issue over bed bugs - reportedly found by pilgrims that evening and the next day. I did not witness this but pilgrims told me along the way that in the morning he went into a rage of denial claiming there are no BB's in his albergue.
I know pilgrims were frightened by his rage on both accounts, disgusted by the way he handled their property and upset about the shower door. It was all talking-points when pilgrims met up along the way.
I am not using the word 'rage' lightly. I am not alone in my concerns about this hospitalero. Pilgrims have the right to be respected - and their property, as much as any hospitalero, as well as privacy. I consider this hospitalero to have aggression issues and the state of the albergue to be unacceptable (I've worked with people with behavioural problems). We put up with a lot as pilgrims - well, I do anyway: over-charging, short-changed, unpleasant locals, poor food. The wonderful and blessed experiences, kind and generous locals more than make-up for any general issues. We pass-through locations on our way, leave much behind, look forward and learn all the time. But we should not have to tolerate such aggression and unpleasantness.
Should I make a formal complaint to some sort of authority? Whom? The albergue is run by a catholic diocese. I don't speak Spanish so can't write a complaint. You're advice and direction is welcome, please.
Spirit & Truth, Love, Light & Nature
Ralph Keith

You seem to have had a bad experience, I don't know who/if you should report your issues. On the issue you raised about "We put up with a lot as pilgrims - well, I do anyway: over-charging, short-changed, unpleasant locals, poor food. " Not sure if I have been lucky but, whilst I have only walked the CF twice, I have never had an issue - well not that I have noticed!

 

[C clearly]

Should I make a formal complaint to some sort of authority? Whom?

What you describe seems like unpleasantness more than risk of harm. Since filing a complaint would be difficult at this point, I suggest that you put it behind you.

 

[henrythedog]

What you’re describing there really feels just like ‘not a great day’. Thankfully I don’t think there is an authority to whom you could complain.

I hope your experiences since then and in the future are more pleasant; but if that’s the worst day you’ve had in a while then you’re doing OK.

 

[CaminoAddict]

What you describe seems like unpleasantness more than risk of harm. Since filing a complaint would be difficult at this point, I suggest that you put it behind you.

Thanks for your reply, C Clearly.

 

[Former member 102963]

What you’re describing there really feels just like ‘not a great day’. Thankfully I don’t think there is an authority to whom you could complain.

I hope your experiences since then and in the future are more pleasant; but it that’s the worst day you’ve had in a while then you’re doing OK.

Just crack on with you life. Sounds a less than an ideal day but just move on !

 

[CaminoAddict]

What you’re describing there really feels just like ‘not a great day’. Thankfully I don’t think there is an authority to whom you could complain.

I hope your experiences since then and in the future are more pleasant; but it that’s the worst day you’ve had in a while then you’re doing OK.

Thanks for getting back to me, henrythedog.
The perspective and presumptions people freely make always amazes me. It was not the worst day I had as I fell ill and was in Lugo hospital with pneumonia a week later. I also damaged knee ligaments and had to rest-up for five days and take things easy. I am always in pain due to a number of problems. I am not a windger and battle hard on my caminos. I could go on but won't bore you with more.
This outburst of rage troubled/upset a number of people, and the shower door not closing was very unpleasant for the unwitting female pilgrims.
I suppose you would really have had to have been there to experience and witness the unpleasantness.
Best wishes.
RalphKeith

 

[CaminoAddict]

You seem to have had a bad experience, I don't know who/if you should report your issues. On the issue you raised about "We put up with a lot as pilgrims - well, I do anyway: over-charging, short-changed, unpleasant locals, poor food. " Not sure if I have been lucky but, whilst I have only walked the CF twice, I have never had an issue - well not that I have noticed!

Thanks for your reply Harland2019. Glad to hear your experiences are good. I've completed eight caminos (2 Francés) and, as I noted, have had many special and blessed experiences that far out-way any problems. For me, camino isn't about expecting everything to be perfect and wonderful - great if that's what someone else wants and achieves. I've faced challenges on each camino I've walked and learned from the difficult and bad challenges as much as from the good. But this problem I've posted troubled a number of pilgrims, not just myself, and my post isn't a knee-jirk reaction. I wouldn't even call the short-changing and over-paying bad experiences, I've come to expect it and even laugh when it happens.
Anyway, thanks again and best wishes for your next camino.
RalphKeith

 

[henrythedog]

Thanks for getting back to me, henrythedog.
The perspective and presumptions people freely make always amazes me. It was not the worst day I had as I fell ill and was in Lugo hospital with pneumonia a week later. I also damaged knee ligaments and had to rest-up for five days and take things easy. I am always in pain due to a number of problems. I am not a windger and battle hard on my caminos. I could go on but won't bore you with more.
This outburst of rage troubled/upset a number of people, and the shower door not closing was very unpleasant for the unwitting female pilgrims.
I suppose you would really have had to have been there to experience and witness the unpleasantness.
Best wishes.
RalphKeith

Thanks for the clarification.

Seen in context with your unfortunate medical issues perhaps there’s even more cause to just put the experience behind you.

I hope you are now in better health and less pain.

 

[Anamiri]

Thanks for the clarification.

Seen in context with your unfortunate medical issues perhaps there’s even more cause to just put the experience behind you.

I hope you are now in better health and less pain.

It can be very unsettling to have an angry person vent at you, so I understand how it can play on your mind. A group of us once left an albergue and walked on to another to avoid a pilgrim who we witnessed being loud angry drunk, and that left me unsettled and a bit nervous for a few days until we were well ahead of him. You can go from being happy tired to vulnerable quite quickly.
Maybe you can still contact the organisation, you'd need to state the date you were there, you can explain that as the incident is still on your mind, you'd like to share the story with them.
Maybe something will come of it, maybe it wont.
Its always possible someone else may also have contacted them.

 

[SF Walker]

Having read today about an aggressive pilgrim being reported, it jolted my memory as to an unpleasant experience I and other pilgrims had in August at an Albergue. At the time I decided to report the hospitalero as their behaviour was unacceptable and frightened many of the female pilgrims.
Since then I've thought carefully about the whole episode - we all have bad days, etc etc, and made excuses for their behaviour. But the news article reminded me of the whole episode - which, so I was advised along the route, wasn't isolated.
I will outline our experience here:
The hospitalero asserted to all new arrivals that backpacks remain on the floor and are not allowed on beds - nothing new there (for obvious reasons - BB's, dirt, leaking fluids) unless you are starting your first-camino and need to learn the rules. I slept for perhaps an hour and awoke to find my 'neighbours' pack - very close proximity to my bed, had been placed on the floor but had fallen forward, some of its content spilling out. The hospitalero came in and called me selfish and lazy for not uprighting the pack and putting the items back for the absent pilgrim. He was unnecessarily loud and unpleasant with me as he did this himself - I didn't have the chance to explain that I never handle other peoples property for fear of being accused of rummaging for items to steal (due to an unpleasant experience on my first camino when I was falsely accused of stealing a phone.) Okay, this was not much - perhaps he 'bad day' excuse and I normally don't respond to such things. It was a sign of things to come.
I slept further, and awoke to find my neighbour on her bed, resting but awake. We were on low beds. We couldn't see what was on the bunks above us. The hospitalero came in in a rage and threw the backpacks of absent pilgrims onto the floor which had been placed on the top bunks - three in all, and another from a low bed. He slammed them into the floor, shouting and complaining. He slammed them so hard that an aluminium bottle in one pack split and the contents flooded the cramped floor area. We told him and he moped-up the floor. This frightened my neighbour. The next day we walked 40km together and she told me how the incident shook her up. It was like an explosion of rage.
Also, the women's shower door did not close properly and users frequently exposed themselves to the main corridor. This should have been repaired, I heard from other pilgrims its been like that for some time.
Then there was an issue over bed bugs - reportedly found by pilgrims that evening and the next day. I did not witness this but pilgrims told me along the way that in the morning he went into a rage of denial claiming there are no BB's in his albergue.
I know pilgrims were frightened by his rage on both accounts, disgusted by the way he handled their property and upset about the shower door. It was all talking-points when pilgrims met up along the way.
I am not using the word 'rage' lightly. I am not alone in my concerns about this hospitalero. Pilgrims have the right to be respected - and their property, as much as any hospitalero, as well as privacy. I consider this hospitalero to have aggression issues and the state of the albergue to be unacceptable (I've worked with people with behavioural problems). We put up with a lot as pilgrims - well, I do anyway: over-charging, short-changed, unpleasant locals, poor food. The wonderful and blessed experiences, kind and generous locals more than make-up for any general issues. We pass-through locations on our way, leave much behind, look forward and learn all the time. But we should not have to tolerate such aggression and unpleasantness.
Should I make a formal complaint to some sort of authority? Whom? The albergue is run by a catholic diocese. I don't speak Spanish so can't write a complaint. You're advice and direction is welcome, please.
Spirit & Truth, Love, Light & Nature
Ralph Keith

I think complaining at the time and submitting a complaint at the time or within 72 hours is the best way to go. I agree with others it's too late now. But, if something like this should happen, and one doesn't know Spanish, we can write the complaint in English and then use Google translate to get it into Spanish and send it to the management or the managing organization. The more they hear from pilgrims, the more likely they are to fix a problem.

 

[Gradiva]

Just crack on with you life. Sounds a less than an ideal day but just move on !

Strange reply....is it ok to voice a negative experience from time to time?! Hospitaleros are here to make us feel welcome and safe. I met many veterans who noticed a decline over the last few years and vowed to never do it again because the lack of friendliness was putting them off. I have been shouted at 3 years ago,for not leaving my room at 8am on the dot.(€40).
If it continues, the Camino may ultimately suffer.

 

[El Cascayal]

The type of rage that you are describing does not fall into the “having a bad day” category. It seems this man needs help and those running this Albergue and future Peregrinos are best served if this is brought to light.
The broken door in the women’s shower may be an innocent slight or not. I think a modicum of privacy is warranted.

 

[trecile]

I'm not sure about parochial albergues, but businesses in Spain are required to maintain hojas de reclamaciones - complaint forums.

More information in this article:

What is the Hoja de Reclamacion?

The hoja de reclamacion in Spain is a consumer complaint form, which you can request for any reason and gets marked on the establishment's official record.

www.caserexpatinsurance.com

 

[Tincatinker]

“realmente necesitas tomar un descanso. obviamente estás muy cansado. tal vez este trabajo no es para ti”
Might have helped. A timely, next day, contact with the sponsoring organization might have been useful.
“puedo ser de ayuda hoy” might have turned both your days around.

And my shite Spanish and my dependence on readily available translation apps would not have stopped me trying to change the situation.
I can see that months later this incident is still exercising you. Put it behind you. That moment has passed. Concentrate on how you might respond differently in a similar situation. Concentrate on communication across language barriers; responding calmly in stressful situations; being the calm centre in the whirlwind.

And no I’m not being the smug git who wasn’t there. I’m being the annoying git asking “and what were you hoping to gain from your question?”

 

[Former member 102963]

Strange reply....is it ok to voice a negative experience from time to time?! Hospitaleros are here to make us feel welcome and safe. I met many veterans who noticed a decline over the last few years and vowed to never do it again because the lack of friendliness was putting them off. I have been shouted at 3 years ago,for not leaving my room at 8am on the dot.(€40).
If it continues, the Camino may ultimately suffer.

Of course it’s ok but not nice to see OP still being ‘tormented’ by it hence my suggestion to ‘move on’ which I appreciate is easier said than done! I too wrestle internally and get low when I consider the way others have treated me, and can get to blaming myself, and it can be come very ‘front of mind’. I have to tell myself to ‘move on’.

One of my fave mantras is ‘don’t let other peoples attitude spoil your day’. Not always easy of course.

Anyway whatever, the OP probably needs to be clear about what they want to achieve, presumably the removal of the staff member, or enrolment onto a customer service course and/or the fixing of the shower door.

And act now and do as they wish. A group of random folks on a forum (I.e. us) will always split into 2 camps!

 

[RJM]

While I have encountered the occasional eccentric hospitalero/a before I can say I never encountered one quite that rude and animated. I'm not sure how I would have handled it. There's some chance I would have told him to piss off, gathered my kit and left. Found somewhere else to stay even if it meant walking a few clicks down the road. If it was a private albergue I might have even asked for my money back or at least half of it.

 

[J Willhaus]

I'm not sure about parochial albergues, but businesses in Spain are required to maintain hojas de reclamaciones - complaint forums.

More information in this article:

What is the Hoja de Reclamacion?

The hoja de reclamacion in Spain is a consumer complaint form, which you can request for any reason and gets marked on the establishment's official record.

www.caserexpatinsurance.com

Yes, I think we are also supposed to have one in volunteer staffed albergues. I have never been oriented to one when I volunteer, but I believe @Rebekah Scott has mentioned it in a previous post.

 

[Gradiva]

Of course it’s ok but not nice to see OP still being ‘tormented’ by it hence my suggestion to ‘move on’ which I appreciate is easier said than done! I too wrestle internally and get low when I consider the way others have treated me, and can get to blaming myself, and it can be come very ‘front of mind’. I have to tell myself to ‘move on’.

One of my fave mantras is ‘don’t let other peoples attitude spoil your day’. Not always easy of course.

Anyway whatever, the OP probably needs to be clear about what they want to achieve, presumably the removal of the staff member, or enrolment onto a customer service course and/or the fixing of the shower door.

And act now and do as they wish. A group of random folks on a forum (I.e. us) will always split into 2 camps!

Fair enough but I don't think it's about how we feel personally. In my opinion it's about how we all do. If this kind of attitude becomes the norm, or at at least becomes tolerated, the Camino experience will slowly but surely deteriorate. Rude obnoxious people are everywhere, and we can always pipe it and move on. But the feeling remains. People talk. The words spreads. There are many other routes that can be enjoyed in the world. It gets known. Spain has greatly suffered from Covid. Businesses have closed down by the dozen. They should be mindful of that. We, as pilgrims, especially those who have enjoyed it for many years, have a duty to help maintain what makes it so special. To me, this thread is important to make sure it doesn't change. I can understand and support a fairly steep rises of prices. But rudeness and aggressive behaviour, certainly not. The fact that you felt guilty or somehow at fault is in itself indicative of something wrong. You were a pilgrim, not an10 years old child. You should never have had to put things in perspective to move on. My thoughts for what they're worth.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

I've been chewing on this thread all day... and I am surprised really with the suggestions that it is the OP who has a problem.
The OP and the people around him were treated not merely with some minor brusqueness...
I also suggest that the OP write to the albergue organisation, perhaps submit the hoja de reclamacion, and consider strategies for similar situations in the future (I see this kind of thing all the time on public transit, in hospital settings, especially emergent care settings...). It's not uncommon and it's really not OK.
Suggesting the victim is at fault or has not sufficiently sucked it up seems both cavalier and dismissive, and leaves the reader with the sense that if someone should treat us badly or with aggression that other pilgrims are not the place to turn for advice or understanding.

 

[oursonpolaire]

What you describe seems like unpleasantness more than risk of harm. Since filing a complaint would be difficult at this point, I suggest that you put it behind you.

Having dealt with abusive personalities in a position of "authority," I think that putting such incidents behind you does nobody a service. And at a remove of time, it bothers you enough to make a post on it.

Simply write a straightforward account, have Mr Google translate it for you, and send it to the provincial tourism authority (if in Galicia, the Xunta de Xacobeo) or, if you are certain it is a diocesan institution, write to the bishop. Do it simply and without drama with the intent of bringing the situation to their attention and expressing your hope that it is an exception. When the letter is posted, then put it behind you and go along your way.

In my opinion, the Spanish are very sensitive to the needs and opinions of travellers. I know that the one time a waiter treated me unfairly (details available upon application and a glass of orujo), a clearly-pronounced request for the libro de reclamaciones straightened out the situation in the presence of the owner.

 

[Anamiri]

I'm not sure about parochial albergues, but businesses in Spain are required to maintain hojas de reclamaciones - complaint forums.

More information in this article:

What is the Hoja de Reclamacion?

The hoja de reclamacion in Spain is a consumer complaint form, which you can request for any reason and gets marked on the establishment's official record.

www.caserexpatinsurance.com

I didnt know about the form, but I suspect I wouldn't ask for one, if that meant asking the hostile person who was the reason for the request.
But I would probably , once far enough away, formulate a written complaint and send that on.

 

[CaminoAddict]

I think complaining at the time and submitting a complaint at the time or within 72 hours is the best way to go. I agree with others it's too late now. But, if something like this should happen, and one doesn't know Spanish, we can write the complaint in English and then use Google translate to get it into Spanish and send it to the management or the managing organization. The more they hear from pilgrims, the more likely they are to fix a problem.

Thanks SF Walker, your reply and advice is appreciated. I rather think that the person concerned has a serious anger issue which will not be limited to this one day of rage. I saw him outside the albergue later in the day and he was remonstrating loudly with another pilgrim.
Fortunately, the matter has been taken-up and will be pursued, I'm sure.
Regards
RalphKeith

 

[CaminoAddict]

Thanks for the clarification.

Seen in context with your unfortunate medical issues perhaps there’s even more cause to just put the experience behind you.

I hope you are now in better health and less pain.

Thank you for your reply and kind wishes, henrythedog. I certainly don't lose any sleep over the issue and know its in good hands now.
I had first class care and attention at Lugo Hospital and made a great recovery. Their professionalism and high standards is exceptional, far more so than the health care I receive where I live.
Best regards
RalphKeith

 

[CaminoAddict]

It can be very unsettling to have an angry person vent at you, so I understand how it can play on your mind. A group of us once left an albergue and walked on to another to avoid a pilgrim who we witnessed being loud angry drunk, and that left me unsettled and a bit nervous for a few days until we were well ahead of him. You can go from being happy tired to vulnerable quite quickly.
Maybe you can still contact the organisation, you'd need to state the date you were there, you can explain that as the incident is still on your mind, you'd like to share the story with them.
Maybe something will come of it, maybe it wont.
Its always possible someone else may also have contacted them.

Thanks Anamiri for your support and advice. The issue has been taken-up by an experienced member who will contact the relevant authorities.
Best wishes
RalphKeith

 

[CaminoAddict]

Having dealt with abusive personalities in a position of "authority," I think that putting such incidents behind you does nobody a service. And at a remove of time, it bothers you enough to make a post on it.

Simply write a straightforward account, have Mr Google translate it for you, and send it to the provincial tourism authority (if in Galicia, the Xunta de Xacobeo) or, if you are certain it is a diocesan institution, write to the bishop. Do it simply and without drama with the intent of bringing the situation to their attention and expressing your hope that it is an exception. When the letter is posted, then put it behind you and go along your way.

In my opinion, the Spanish are very sensitive to the needs and opinions of travellers. I know that the one time a waiter treated me unfairly (details available upon application and a glass of orujo), a clearly-pronounced request for the libro de reclamaciones straightened out the situation in the presence of the owner.

Thanks oursonpolaire for your sound understanding, support and advice. Be assured I have not and am not losing any sleep over this.
Another experienced member, like yourself, has kindly offered to pursue the matter with the relevant authorities.
Best wishes
RalphKeith

 

[CaminoAddict]

I've been chewing on this thread all day... and I am surprised really with the suggestions that it is the OP who has a problem.
The OP and the people around him were treated not merely with some minor brusqueness...
I also suggest that the OP write to the albergue organisation, perhaps submit the hoja de reclamacion, and consider strategies for similar situations in the future (I see this kind of thing all the time on public transit, in hospital settings, especially emergent care settings...). It's not uncommon and it's really not OK.
Suggesting the victim is at fault or has not sufficiently sucked it up seems both cavalier and dismissive, and leaves the reader with the sense that if someone should treat us badly or with aggression that other pilgrims are not the place to turn for advice or understanding.

Thank you Perambulating Griffin for your excellent reply, support and advice. I agree wholeheartedly with you.
An experienced member and pilgrim has kindly offered to pursue the issue with the relevant authorities. I am sure he will be far more effective than I.
Happy perambulating to you!
Best wishes
RalphKeith

 

[CaminoAddict]

Fair enough but I don't think it's about how we feel personally. In my opinion it's about how we all do. If this kind of attitude becomes the norm, or at at least becomes tolerated, the Camino experience will slowly but surely deteriorate. Rude obnoxious people are everywhere, and we can always pipe it and move on. But the feeling remains. People talk. The words spreads. There are many other routes that can be enjoyed in the world. It gets known. Spain has greatly suffered from Covid. Businesses have closed down by the dozen. They should be mindful of that. We, as pilgrims, especially those who have enjoyed it for many years, have a duty to help maintain what makes it so special. To me, this thread is important to make sure it doesn't change. I can understand and support a fairly steep rises of prices. But rudeness and aggressive behaviour, certainly not. The fact that you felt guilty or somehow at fault is in itself indicative of something wrong. You were a pilgrim, not an10 years old child. You should never have had to put things in perspective to move on. My thoughts for what they're worth.

Thank you Gradiva for your reply. Valuable thoughts and noted. Thankfully, an experienced member has kindly offered to pursue the matter with the authorities. I don't doubt they will do a far better job of it the I.
Best wishes
RalphKeith

 

[VNwalking]

It's good someone has stepped in to pursue the matter further - just putting it behind you amounts to denial, and is no help for future pilgrims. Sure, OK, don't lose any sleep over it (you clearly are not, @RalphKeith), but egregious mistreatment by a hospi with anger management issues should be reported - especially since it's an albergue run by a catholic diocese.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I oversee volunteer hospitaleros in three non-profit albergues on the Caminos de Santiago. I've been a hospitalera off and on for about 20 years now.
The behavior described here is not acceptable, especially in a volunteer. If I heard of one of "my" hospis acting this way, I'd certainly take him aside and have a few hard words with him...
But I've also learned there are two or three sides to every one of these stories, and it's impossible to make a judgement from far away. We cannot decide this man has "rage issues," or is potentially violent, based on him bashing around backpacks and snapping at pilgrims. Apparently no one was threatened, assaulted, or injured in this incident. The guy behaved very rudely. The pilgrims were shocked and dismayed.
BUT... if this man was a volunteer, and he was in a non-profit albergue, there are no "hojas de reclamacion" to file, because the pilgrim hostel is not a business. It is a charitable institution offering shelter to people who may not have resources to pay for a bed.
In these situations, the pilgrim must remember he is, essentially, being given something for nothing (or for precious little.) He is a charity case. He cannot expect his host to treat him with anything more than basic civility. Pilgrims are not entitled to anything more than that. A charity albergue is not a hotel.
And this hospitalero failed at the civility thing. So..?0 If this was a private albergue with a set price and a transactional agreement, then the pilgrim could file a complaint form, contact the sponsoring organization (I know of no "diocesan" albergues on any camino); and spread bad reports. He can also get up and move to a different shelter if he feels threatened or uncomfortable.
He can also consider what might have made that angry man so unhappy. He might wait a little while for the guy to cool down, and offer him a smile and a kind word.
Because I am here to tell you: hospitalero life can be a perfect hell some days. And for every story I've heard of out-of-line hospitaleros, I've heart 50 more about out-of-line pilgrims.

 

[wayfarer]

Thank you all for your replies to RalphKeith. I will close this thread now and perhaps the op can let us know at a later stage how it all worked out.