Astorga: Volunteering in an Albergue

 

This is the albergue where I am working. It used to be a convent, and it’s huge. In high season it had a capacity of 144 pilgrims. Yesterday there were 70 overnight, but a lot fewer today, maybe 50.

Astorga is a beautiful, interesting town. It has a palace designed by Gaudí, a huge cathedral, and foundations of buildings from when it was a province of Rome. 

Here is what was originally supposed to be a palace for s bishop. It’s a museum today. 

This is just one of many plazas. The big building at the end is a town hall. On the left and right are arcades, archways that have restaurants and stores.

I sent a couple pictures to my family of the back patio of the albergue. It’s the pilgrims’ patio but I love it. In the morning I go out and sweep it and wash off the tables. 

Here is the patio at sunrise. Tonight I had my supper out there at sunset- so it was at the opposite end. Also beautiful!

Getting to upload these photos has been a big surprise. I’m going to see if I can’t add a few more.