September is typically one of the busiest months on the Camino. The weather is great so many decide to walk at that time.
September 1st was quiet for us only 30 pilgrims so we did not know what to expect. Well, the very next day September 2 we found out. At 2pm when we opened we had a line to check in. The way our albergue works is first come first served. No reservations just show up and get a bed until there are none left. We have 24 sets of bunk beds so 48 total beds. When we are full it is called Completo. We filled all of our beds in 90 minutes. We had a couple that had been married for 40 years walking so to keep them together we gave them on of our emergency sets of bunk beds. The key is really that the first 22 people who show up get a bottom bunk if they want it, which most do and the rest are in top bunks, but at least they have beds.
We had one last pilgrim show up. A guy from Pais Vasco, Bilbao we decide that we could put a mattress on the floor, we actually have 2 mattresses so we could stack the up. He was thrilled. So we had 49 pilgrims. So many Spaniards and Italians on the Camino right now. They bring a great energy to the albergue it keeps me smiling all day and night long. They are all cooking, funny enough the most popular dish is Carbonara but almost any pasta will do, and they make it in huge batches which they all scarf down with joy.