profile “L’Esprit du Chemin”

1. “L’Esprit du Chemin”, is
   

2. a hostel of, for and by pilgrims which
   

offers hospitality and accommodation

in a tradition of simplicity, quality and inspiration.

The hostel is run entirely by volunteers and, for that reason, is non- profit in its operations.

In short: a hostel in “the Spirit of the Way” to Santiago de Compostela.

of, for and by

“L’Esprit du Chemin” was started by Huberta and Arno. They bought the house and renovated it for its purpose as a hostel.

The hostel is there above all for pilgrims on their way to or from Santiago de Compostela. In principle, every pilgrim is welcome. However, we do not do business with commercial travel agents and, in principle, we do not accept groups of more then 6 pilgrims or pilgrims supported by cars.
People who are walking the GR 10, which also passes our doorsteps, are welcome to stay at the hostel as well.

Besides Huberta and Arno, other volunteers, “hospitaleros”,  are also working at the hostel. Recruitment of hospitaleros at the hostel is by way of pilgrims who have previously stayed at the hostel and by word-of-mouth.

legal status

In 2008, after much legal consultation, “L’Esprit du Chemin” is designated as an “entreprise individuelle”. This doesn’t seem to make much sense: “L’Esprit du Chemin” is neither an “enterprise” nor “individual”. But according to experts this is the best legal form for us. Especially because the house remains the private property of Arno and Huberta. All this doesn’t change the fact that the hostel is operated on a “not-for-profit” basis.  All revenues generated by the hostel are re-invested in its day-to-day operations, supplies, equipment and maintenance, including renovations to the house, for example, the restoration of its original 16th century façade (done in March-April 2009) and the future replacement of the roof. Besides that, we invest in new projects, like a new website for pilgrims stories: START Camino. Moreover: we haven’t changed the prices for our guests since 2003. (see below).

situated on a crossing

The hostel is situated nearby a crossing of roads. Just before Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (in Basque: Donibane Garazi) three of the four major pilgrims’ roads in France join each other.

For many pilgrims the town itself is the starting point for their journey or for a new stage of their journey. Saint Jean-Pied-de-Port is very accessible and lies at the foot of the Pyrenees. As the Camino is getting more and more known, the town has become an important and busy stop.

services and prices

> summary of pilgrims hostels in Saint-Jean: it gives an impression of the services and prices of our hostel in comparison with the other hostels.

hospitaleros

In 2009, for example, we received more than 2.800 guests, who altogether stayed almost 3.100 nights. Out of the total number of 2009 season guests, 92% had dinner, 94% had breakfast, and 45% ordered a packed lunch for the road. These numbers alone clearly indicate clearly that “hospitaleros” have to keep their nose to the grindstone.

But there is more … . Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is an international stop, much more so then any other town on the French “chemins de Saint-Jacques”.

Most guests at the hostel have travelled from afar, on foot or by bike, but most often by plane, bus and/or train. As such, many of our guests arrive exhausted as well as anxious about starting their journey by having to cross the Pyrenees. Even people who have been on the road a long time on foot or by bike look up to this stage, not the least because of all the stories told about crossing the Pyrenees. Pilgrims starting the Camino and facing the challenges of crossing the Pyrenees often present to the “hospitaleros” their particular concerns and special needs, many of which are practical.

Sometimes “hospitaleros” are called upon to deal with difficult and ungrateful guests which may at times lead us to ask “Why am I here doing this anyway?, especially if the person doesn’t seem to be like a “pilgrim” at all. Everybody has his or her own answer to that question. For us and for many other “hospitaleros” it has to do with wanting to be “of service” to other people, as we were privileged to experience the hospitality of others during our own journey.  As “hospitaleros” we try to learn to suspend our judgments of others, seek understanding and provide support.

The “hospitaleros” assign the tasks to be done and time off with mutual consent and accountability, looking at what has to be done, considering each other’s skills and preferences. Important clusters of regular tasks are: the daily cleaning and operational maintenance of the house, the preparation of breakfast and packed lunches, the reception and seeing off of a great variety of guests, the cooking of the common dinner meal with last minute knowledge as to the exact number of guests, the set-up and clearing of tables and the washing of dishes. There are always numerous chores to be done in and around the house for idle hands.

Sometimes you really have to take some time off. We arrange that through mutual consent.

houserules

There are few rules in the hostel, but ones we have and enforce all relate to the rhythm of the day. Since the hostel is relatively small given the number of guests that sleep there, our rules apply to fixed times for going to sleep at night, including silence, and for getting up in the morning. These times change somewhat according to the seasons and the weather. There is also a fixed time for the common evening meal. These rules apply to the “hospitaleros” as well as the house guests.

in conclusion

Experience has shown that enthusiasm alone is not enough to operate as a fully-fledged  “hospitalero”. While we try to be clear about our requirements and expectations for “hospitaleros” we ask applicants to think about what it is that they are looking for in becoming a “hospitalero”, what they bring to the experience and what the hope to get from the experience. And from our discussion of this we can best determine the fit between the applicant and the qualities and responsibilities of the “hospitalero”.

Talking about “qualities”: please keep in mind that we are an international hostel. The languages most spoken are: French and English, then German, then Dutch, then Spanish. So it really is a “plus” if you speak more then one language.

Finally there is the practical matter of scheduling. It is our regular practice to schedule each “hospitalero” for a two week period. The two week time frame can be reduced only if the “hospitalero” has volunteered at the hostel before. The time frame may also be extended beyond two weeks with prior mutual agreement.