Quick question about the albergues

[joe]

I've heard a lot about them and I really don't have a problem with cleanliness or space of the beds. But I was wondering what the showers were like? I mean can you get fully naked, are they in cubicles, or at least one per shower? Or are they like prison showers where mulitple people shower at the same time? I was wondering because I don't really feel comfortable getting a shower naked with other people around, and I'm pretty sure the women wouldn't like to take a shower with a few naked men around them.

And a question about security, while in the showers is it safe to leave your backpack and belongings on your bed when there are a lot of other people coming and going? Has anyone ever had anything stolen while staying at an albergue?

Sorry if it sounds stupid but my family are really cautious about these kind of things and so am I to a certain extent.

Joe.

[Covey]

The shower are usually in cubicles although in some places like the Auberge in Zubiri there are three shower heads sticking out of one wall in the male shower room (I cannot vouch for what is in the ladies shower room!!!) and no cubicles.

In some Auberge's the showers are OK, in others the words basic and not clean spring to mind.

ALWAYS wear flip flops in the showers cos the possibility of foot infections being passed on is high.

Security is usually OK in Auberge's. Best not to leave ipods and iphones lying around. You can buy a waterproof pouch in camping shops to keep documents in and I always make sure I have my wallet and passport with me at all times.

[joe]

Thanks for the quick response! That info makes me less concerned, I don't mind the showers being dirty or "basic" as long as the water is reasonably clean and warm-ish, and it allows me to wash my body! I'm glad to hear most places have cubicles, I wouldn't mind sharing a shower with other people on occasion but I couldn't be doing it every night! I guess some sort of swimming shorts should be worn when sharing a shower? haha. And I have a pair of Crocs for my feet. But what size towel should you take, I was thinking of a medium lightweight one that dries quickly, because a hand towel would be too small and a beach towel would take too much space and weight in my pack.

Do you take your passport and documents in the shower with you? I presume people will usually have €100-200 on them in cash most of the time as well.

[Covey]

The shower water is usually clean, but temperature can be somewhat variable!! My advice to any Pilgrim is to start walking at first light when you can see the track surface, and finish around 2pm. Any later than that and you can almost guarantee your shower will be tepid to cold!

Crocs are excellent and I used them last year for the first time. As for a towel, take either a thin hand towel size OR one of the bright blue camping towels which are highly absorbent and dry very quickly. A couple of large nappy pins (Mothercare!) will allow you to pin the towel or any other bit of clothing to the outside of your pack to dry as you are walking along.

I have a roll of plastic self sealing food bags (Sainsburys) and wrap my pilgrim passport, national passport wallet and mobile in one and it stays dry in the shower.

[janemaryokeefe]

Hi!
All the albergues that I experienced had private stalls------never saw a group shower----not to worry. I always brought my passport and credit cards, cash with me as a precaution. Never heard of anyone having anything taken. I never lost anything out of my pack leaving it near my bunk. I think most people are sincere on the hike. I didn't meet anyone who was malicious---------some selfish ones-----but no one who was out to harm me or take my things. I was solo and hiked at my own pace, but you usually have someone to walk with at different times of the day. I didn't want to hold anyone up who wanted to go faster. You respect the fact that everyone should hike at their own pace and you all run into each other again at the end of the day or at some point on your journey. Buen Camino!

[BHinSanDiego]

To add to what janemarie said, to me one of the beautiful things about the Camino is how it someone wants to walk alone no one takes it personal, by that I mean we all need our alone time along the Camino and when it comes and someone says I want to walk by myself today the new friends you've made are fine with it because they feel that way too at times and when the day is done we all meet up at the alburgue or bar and share our stories of the day, after all we are there to reflect and learn about ourselves. The notes previously entered about the showers are spot on, I always described them as like bathroom stalls only deeper about 10-12 feet and the doors usually go all the way to the floor, they give you enough room to store you belongings away from the water. I saw a quite a few females carrying a light weight sarong to wear to the shower and whenever actually.

[unadara]

Hi all
I have plans to start my Camino in Sept from StJPdeP and have been reading back and forth between threads. I was going to make a comment in the Roncevalles thread in reply to Coveys advice re the showers and others replies in agreement but here may be as good a place as any.
Where did the original pilgrims on this holy route take their showers ? Was the water hot ? Did they stand in q's ? Please do not laugh but I have done some trekking in places where water had to be carried and a wash was with water in a basin and a face cloth and everyone (not really-one had carried a hair-dryer and mirror..) got used to it, just as changing your clothes is not always necessary, the people at dinner may not sit as close as you might like though!
I doubt I will rush to q. I swim in the ocean all year round and don't mind cold water, a hot shower would be good if it happens like that.
I hope everyone takes time to leave the fast pace of the day to day behind. I sooo look forward to reading comments and blogs from people posting here to see how it really turned out for them.
Certain persons post a lot and give great advice. I send my thanks and Buen Camino to you all and to Joe I hope you can leave your worries behind you and find the peace the Camino offers.
Una