So, standard operating procedures when you arrive at an albergue - after you check in, and get your credential stamped, you take off your hiking shoes and put them on a rack, (There are more shelves than shown in this picture) you put your walking sticks in a nearby bin. The shoes are beyond dusty and dirty with things on them you would do best not to think of. And...they might just be ever so slightly smelly, so not having these in the room you sleep in makes sense. Once shoes have been removed, you get a tour of where everything is... showers, WCs, find outside clothes line for hand washing, kitchen, given curfew rules, bed sheets- which you often pay for, and they are disposable , and then, your work begins.
This picture was from the night we stayed at the 217 person albergue. But I thought it might give you a little better understanding of an albergue.
Tonight we are in a small hostal in Villafranca. We like smaller places.
p.s. Gretchen's and my shoes are on the far left shelf, third row down from the top, and, I think, 2nd and 3rd in...if you are curious. It's so dusty now, all shoes look about the same.
Thank you for the peek inside the life of a peregrino. It makes sense, but I'd never imagined how it would work out, practically speaking.
ReplyDeleteIt puts things in proper perspective. An invaluable experience. We feel truly blessed.
DeleteThere is a nice pair way over on the rack on the right. Think it will be there in the morning? Very interesting and now we know that the smaller places are much better and more relaxing.
ReplyDeleteThe whole thing is such a learning experience. There is only so much you can be prepared for, the rest you adjust and leave it up to God.
DeleteWw, that's a lot of shoes!! How are your feet (and knees) doing? Is Gretchen's back better?
ReplyDeleteSharon
I had no idea that so many would hike like this. Amazing.
ReplyDelete