Sometimes we are reminded abruptly of ou

Tonight I shared a mixed dorm with two couples (Eric and Karlin included) plus a middle aged Spaniard, a young Italian Eleanora and an un related older Italian man.
The old Italian is a bit forceful in his manner. He had no plug to plug his phone charger in so as mine has two slots I allowed him earlier today to use the spare slot. Before bed time I removed his charger cable and told him I needed it back before I went to sleep. ( the power point is right beside my pillow) He was annoyed but aside from a raised voice was OK.
After the lights were out, the last few people returned to the room.-Eleanora being one.

Eleanora is lovely. A bubbly cheerful girl in her late 20s. We chatted briefly when she returned as she had a painful knee and I gave her my spare knee support.

Shortly after there was a raised voice discussion in Italian between the old man who had walked to the other side of the room and Eleanora who was in bed. It was in Italian and though loud it settled.

About half an hour later Eleanora came to me in tears the Italian man had been extremely inappropriate and made explicit suggestions towards her. She had messaged a friend and was going to stay at another albergue with them.

I dressed and waited for her friend to make sure she was safe. I have just had a lengthy discussion with the owner and her husband (via Google translate) The Italian is asleep and they don't want to disturb the whole room so will address it in the morning. Needless to say I'm doubtful of much sleep tonight.

The Camino has always felt a safe place. Always. I am however also always careful of my personal safety.

An Aussie girl who started a day behind me posted the following tonight...

WARNING
Walking alone today on the French Camino from Estella to Los Arcos… in the woods between Irache & Asqueta, I was passed by two young men walking back the way I came.
After they passed me they doubled back.
One came up on the left, and one of the right. They started harassing me.
I fended them off with my poles, saw a turn in the path to the left(heading to the main road), and took it.
A local couple were walking their dog and yelled at the guys to leave me alone.
I hightailed it to the highway, and decided to walk on the side of the road.
Frankly, speeding vehicles felt safer than a wooded part of the Camino alone.
A Guadia Civil (Police) vehicle stopped , and took me into their vehicle.
They insisted on dropping me in Los Arcos at an Albergue, as I was a bit frazzled.
I am so incredibly grateful to the Police. They were so sweet and understanding, and are the angels of the Camino. 🙏
I now wear the wrist band they gave to me.
So please, load the Alert Cops App and activate it when you’re in Spain.
Never hesitate to contact the Guardia should you feel unsafe.
You never know what may happen ...

There are times when human beings can be complete abhorrent.Read more