I think in the U.S. we have a crazy obsession with who and how someone is going to murder us. They don’t seem to be so worried about that here.

I remember Mr. Wingard in 4th grade social studies talking about Europe and how they had these places to stay called Hostels. They were very cheap for young people to stay in but they could be very dangerous. I determined that I would never do that because I like living and I am not a fan of getting murdered. To my wife and mother who might be reading this no we are not dead yet. The most threatening thing we have seen so far in this entire trip is two people inviting us for yoga out in the front lawn today.

On the Camino this Hostel concept is taken to the next level. They call them an Albergue. They are a Hostel that is designed and used only by pilgrims on the Camino. In order to stay there you have to verify that you have walked (or biked) from a previous town by showing them your camino credential that has been stamped there the day before.

Sometimes you are in a group dormitory other times you have your own room for an extra fee. They also typically have group bathrooms/shower rooms. Often times since we are a group of four they give us our own space.

For COVID they have all installed rubber mattress covers and pillow cases. Laughably to protect you from infection they give you a toilet paper thin sheet to cover you bed. Think of those toilet seat covers at an airport. Essential equipment is a silk sleep sack to then use as your sheets and pillowcase.

The price at these places are crazy cheap. They can cost as few as 5 or 6 Euro but most are around 8-10. The places are very spartan in the sleeping quarters but they are typically immaculate.

Most will include a place to hand wash your clothes and a clothes line. There are also nice big community areas to site and visit with other pilgrims. Usually there is seating indoors and outdoors. Most also have a community kitchen however some of them are closed do to um COVID?

Many times Albergues are repurposed buildings. Earlier this week we stayed in St. Steven a 11th century church. Last night we stayed in a nun’s cell at the Santa Clare Convent. Some are private some are ran by they city and other are run by a church or religious order. These special places to stay have really been part of the unique Camino experience.