My brother and I arrived at this place to take a break during the stage. At first it seemed very nice: there were benches, background music, and an exchange area with small items like shoelaces, creams, band-aids, a notebook, and even a thin book about the Camino de Santiago that was very damaged by time. There was also a donation box with a sign explaining that the money was not for the owner, but to help other pilgrims if needed. We believed in this idea and left €4 in the box after having a peach and two coffees.

When we were about to leave, my brother decided to take the little Camino book (damaged, wet, falling apart) from the exchange area to read along the way. It was placed in the same spot with the other items “to take.” As soon as we stepped away, the owner suddenly appeared, very aggressive, shouting at us and accusing us of being thieves. We tried to explain that we honestly thought the book was part of the exchange items, but he continued yelling, saying things like “some pilgrims give money to those who rob them, and others rob those who give them things for free.” He even pointed out that there were cameras watching us.

The situation escalated quickly, and we had to leave in a hurry. Regardless of whether it was a misunderstanding about what could or could not be taken, the treatment we received was extremely hostile and totally against the spirit of the Camino. We share this experience here so that other pilgrims are aware and don’t have to go through the same unpleasant moment.