This is where we are staying tonight.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MZnYuKUTnowuCf5D7
We walked 9 miles today to get here. I’m still working on toughening up my feet so was very happy to arrive. Last night we called the place we had chosen to stay (Tío Pepe’s) and they said they weren’t accepting any guests until March 15. So we called this place. They aren’t accepting pilgrims in the dorm (multi-bed) rooms but are accepting guests in the private rooms – – which is what we wanted anyway. We were thrilled to get a spot here. We stayed here 8 years ago. It wasn’t our first choice for this year because we couldn’t remember for sure if they provided sheets and towels – – and we did NOT bring those this year. But turns out they do provide them in the private rooms and we are very happy to be here.
The people who run the albergue are volunteers from Barcelona but they are here a lot and we remember them from when we were here 8 years ago. Very friendly people and the husband claims that he remembers us. That is so hard to believe. We just found some photos of us with them 8 years ago so maybe….
She told us that starting April 1, when they will officially open, all their private rooms (eight doubles, I think) are fully booked until October 30. Incredible. Tonight we are the only guests here.
They’ve been closed the past two years because of covid. She told us horror stories of what they’ve been through. She said the community here (Villar de Mazarife) has only about 450 residents but many many people died. The 58 year old man next door got sick on a Monday and died on Wednesday. In the hospital without his family. They are so grateful for “la vacuna” (vaccine) and are looking forward to a normal year.
This afternoon/evening, we are hanging out in the big dining room where, in normal times, they cook a big vegetarian paella for the pilgrims every night. There’s a warm fire.