isobelmtl

It was an eventful day to day the least. I discovered that Anna, an Italian hospitalera of many years experience is to stay here for many days. I begin to understand the blessings of deafness because there can sometimes be a question of volume control in a situation where terrazzo floors meet heave wooden chairs and the enthusiasm of partying pilgrims in the evening. Also, some of my partners seem to believe that volume can overcome some of my lapses of understanding in Spanish. A new partner arrived yesterday. Pedro, another Italian who startled me as I quietly mopped the floor with a rendition of “Volare” that would have seen Pavarotti running for the exit.

Who presides over the cash box and for those who plead “ no change” there is a bank card machine! A local Spanish woman was married to a Swiss who died. She donated the money for this Pilgrim Inn. San Nicolas de Flue. Strange saint who abandoned a family to pursue a live of monastic aesthetics. ( perhaps it was a blessing for his wife though)

We had 32 pilgrims yesterday from 14 countries – one who had the look of a convict and refused to show any identification. He had a long and loud argument with Anna. She proved her invincible level of energy and volume by routing him. He still hung around in the garden for a couple of hours and when he appealed to me I simply said “ She’s the boss” How convenient for me was her voice and determination at that point.

Symbols of the hospitalera!

I’m cooking today for the team. God help them!