Day 12
Today, I was a pilgrim. I walked out of the albergue and followed the Camino for nearly an hour. I brought my camera and the morning light was incredible.
Despite great start to the day, felt low energy due to poor sleep. It’s hard to unwind at the end of the night and the wakeup is the same everyday: 5:45AM.
It would be one of the final days that I would run the kitchen. Luckily, I had some help. Pilgrim J, from Austria wandered into the kitchen and started giving advice. At first, I was a bit put off – but he was so smiley and full of excitement that I humored him for a bit. He then mentioned that he cooked professionally for 50 years – I then told myself to shut up and listen to the man! He tweaked the recipe: added more salt, adjusted the heat to ensure the veggies weren’t overcooked and gave his seal of approval. He shared plenty of tips and tricks as well. He worked hard during his career – 14 hour days, 7 days a week during the high season – but he said he loved it. He doesn’t use recipes – just improvises – I can relate. He travels Spain with his wife in their camper van, so he knows the country well. He was radiating positivity and good vibes – a great pilgrim to host.
I am a “Misionero moderno” according to one pilgrim. I take that as a compliment. Better yet, I could be a “Misionero vegano”!
All three of us were exhausted by the end. We all knew it. But somehow we still found humor and joy in the day to day.
Day 13
From my journal, written at the end. ofthe day:
Morning despedida. Dutch woman, I commented on all her patches from Asia on the backpack. Said it was from travels with her family and sons. Teared up, remembering because her son passed away. Walking alone now. Very appreciative and thankful of this experience because there aren’t many places like it on the camino. Writing a poem about finding the true camino spirit and walking your own path. Radiating happiness and gratitude for everything, the experience, the place, she was brimming with joy. Also, with sorrow, remembering her son.
Basque guy, David. Gus, Swiss banker; exacting, nice smile, from Peru. All working together! Tortilla de patatas. Always has to happen!
Lots of smiles and good vibes. Enjoyed this group and feeling refreshed. Smiley swedish couple. Doing camino together but walking separately to process. Japanese, Korean, Taiwan twin sisters. Beautiful, red moon. Brazilians, photographer dude and his kind partner.
David telling everyone to watch the morning orange (red moon) moon set. Everyone seems to know each other. Friendly.
Looking forward to the new crew of hospitaleros arriving – counting down the days!
Day 14
The final days. Tanks are empty but hearts are full. Counting down the days yet still enjoying every moment, every laugh, every smile. Knowing that it will all be over soon.
Day 15
It’s nearly the end of the another chapter. Hospitalero Voluntario at Bercianos – Part 2 – is finally coming to a close in 24-48 hours. My journal is nearly finished – it was originally purchased in Santiago after walking The Primitivo. It traveled with me across North America, being filled with memories, stickers and drawings. The final experience of the summer, working in albergue, has now also been cemented in it.
Nice final group. Laid back, low maintenance. We are finally mastering the art of delegating to pilgrims and letting them do the work. They want to help and participate! Let them be.
Jose Luiz and Leila relaxed in the courtyard for most of the afternoon. Good for them, they deserve it!
Learnings? I enjoy the work. I am good at it. We put on a damn good albergue experience. Everyone’s a little lost in life, just like me. Trying to find their way, their passion. A big part of the hospitalero experience is the fellow hospis. I will be forever grateful to have shared it with Jose Luiz and Leila – such kind, funny, hardworking and genuine souls. Fellow lovers of hiking and all things Camino. Without a doubt, I will have a lifelong connection to them, unforgettable shared memories and a cherished bond together. Hopefully, one day we will meet again on El Camino de Santiago, in an albergue, or just maybe – in Rio de Janeiro. Until then, this is Hospitalero Patrick, signing off.
