Learning to be a hospitalero

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From the welcome registration desk at Albergue de Peregrinos at Villadangos del Paramo, you can see pilgrims slowly come into view. So far today no takers. Yesterday we had people waiting for opening time. There is no telling who or when people show up. Being patient, as well as organised to handle surprises is part of learning to be a hospitalero. It is Day 2, and I am trying my best.

The day I arrived I met David from Seville. He and I have been appointed to run the albergue for the next two weeks. We were taken to dinner by the two outgoing hospitaleros - Greg and Daniel from California. It was an ideal orientation - practical ideas, common sense and a shared understanding of peregrino experience. Thank you both!


Practical advice besides explaining the overall layout of the place and how it is operating, included how to make the coffee, and set up the dining room.

Preparing for breakfast- mixing the cereal 


Boiling the eggs - the night before
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Ensuring food provisions are adequate- where to buy and what is available.

 How to work the washer and dryer.
 
Thankfully this albergue uses real linen not  ‘paper’ fitted sheets and pillow slips, which actually become single use synthetic landfill.
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Next morning- H Day! Greg and Daniel left and David and I were it.
David’s English and my Spanish have plenty of gaps and quirks - together we decided we can make it work. He helps me and vice versa - Google Translate assisted.

David takes the lead on shopping; and makes a mean mixed salad.

I do the welcome and registration and we share the cleaning and most other tasks. It is working really well. I have time to play guitar and help people feel relaxed.


The local coordinator of the albergue is Angel. He is most grateful that I am leaving the guitar and kindly fixed the fitting to hang it.


Having a guitar hanging in an albergue is always welcoming. 

Then there is the money!

We explain we are volunteers and invite people to donate what is fair and they can afford - this approach generally works well.

Hey, there are peregrinos waiting outside. Show them in!

Yesterday we had 16 people from all over the place. So far, today no one… it’s still early maybe they are coming, maybe not.

I am enjoying learning to be a hospitalero!
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