Wednesday, August 6, 2008
PCR #3
I have another lovely Pre Camino Reflection question for you. Refugios.....love 'em, hate 'em, dread 'em, what's your take. I know Goat and Fran will have interesting input because they've experienced them first hand. Mariann and Liz, strategies for showering, avoiding naked people, or anything else? Are their tactics for sleeping in a room full of strangers? Are there certain behaviors to be avoided? What would you tell people that are considering the trek for the first time? Do tell.
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4 comments:
All of the above.....love'em, hate'em and dread'em!!!!
I love mixing with the other pilgrims- they come from all countries and walks of life. Some refugios have garden or indoor sitting areas to visit with others or enjoy a momment of solitude- others are equipped with kitchens where you can cook alone or share a communal meal.
The main purpose of the refugio is to offer a weary pilgrim a safe,clean place to wash their body and clothes and then get a night's sleep before they set off again. They come in various sizes(sleeping 6-100's), shapes (small rooms,huge municipal buildings, converted churches and shiny new modern facilities with all the bells and whistles). Usually staffed by volunteers, they rely on their guests to leave the place clean and tidy. It can get noisy and crowded so the best advice I can give is to stake out your own personal space -your bed or floor space and set out your stuff and make it "home" for the night.
Get a good pair of earplugs and just "go-with-the-flow"--Nudity, snoring,loud drunks(yes, some pilgrims enjoy too much cervaza or wine after a long day),giggling teens,it all happens and at times can be a bit of comic-relief. I can't wait!!!!
Kind of like you leave it up to your kids to leave their rooms clean....if you get my drift.
I have already mentioned the dread of a cold shower, but Fran said she didn't remember any. But anyway, I figure that it's a small bit of discomfort.
I really have no preconceived notion of what my reactions will be....I can usually go with the flow of things. And if I am tired enough.....which I have no doubt that I will be.....I can sleep most anywhere.
Sooooo, bring it on!!
I have to look it as a place to sleep and deal with all that other stuff as graciously as I can. I'm not sure what my reaction will be . But I will survive,that reminds me of a song, by donna summers i think.
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