Well, I have made to Pamplona and beyond. I arrived in Pamplona on July 7th and managed to secure a place on the floor in a lovely German Albergue. However, before bunking down, one of the guys in the room offered to take the floor instead so I ended up with a bed after all. It was very nice of him and this seems to be the common practice along the Camino.
Pamplona was very interesting! It was San Fermin - the Running of the Bulls festival and people were absolutely shattered. They party and drink all night and believe me they looked worse off than I did. However, it was a very festive feeling throughout the city and lots to see and do. The city itself is gorgeous and everyone was dressed in red and white for the festival. The following morning after my arrival, I ventured out to watch the running of the bulls. Can I just say - SUICIDE! Once in the path of the bulls, there is no place to go. You have to run right into the bull ring and then you are stuck in there with a young bull and hundreds of others trying to avoid being butted. I don't know who or what is more dangerous, the people trying to get away from the bull or the bull itself. No wonder they party and drink all night before hand. That is the only way to gain and keep the courage to do this.
After the watching this spectacle, I headed out of town into the quiet countryside again. It was a good day's walk with lots of uphill. I walked through a field of wind turbines and up a huge "hill" where I was greeted by an iron representation of modern and medieval pilgrims. There was also a fantastic view back over Pamplona. I only wish I could share it with you, however, I have yet to find a place that will put my pictures onto a disc or let me attach my camera. I will keep searching.
I ended up staying in a tiny hill town called Obanos, where apparently the nobleman of Navarre met in the 14th century to try to limit the power of the king. It was a quiet place and the albergue was lovely with a beautiful back garden. I was exhausted by in good spirits. I had dinner with the Spanish couple I had stayed with in St. Jean, Karissa from L.A. and a Gregory from Germany. Love the fact that wine is included in our dinner!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hey Tammy,
ReplyDeleteSounds fantastic. That's great that you were able to see, but not participate in, the running of the bulls. Drinking must be a key factor!
Sounds like everyone you come across is really nice. That does make the travelling much easier going when folks are friendly.
Although we miss you, we are very proud of your accomplishment with this trip. Enjoy the sights and soak it all in. It's a once in a life time journey.
Take care. We love you!
Michelle, Jenneke & Christopher
Hi Tammy sounds like you are having a fansinating trip so far even though there has been little lumps and bumps along the way.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you were a sepctator and not a participant in the running of the bulls.
Sounds like the walk has been challenging however the people along the way great. Nice to have fellow walker walking along side you traveling on their own personal jounrey to share with.
In our western culture we struggle to slow ourselves down , so to stop and smell the roses along the way is not easy however important as it is not where we end up physically however more importantly where we end up emotionally, satisfied with ones own personal accomplishement. This is your journey and your walk, forget about what others may say and think as no one else in your circle has choosen to do what you are doing. The end of your journey is whereve you end it as this is not the end only one stretch along a lifetime journey with other challenges and decisions that will take you in a different direction along a different path. This is just one short path giving yurself time to reflect, enjoy your company and that of others. You will return home with new wonder and respect regardless. You and you alone can make the decission of what is best for you so knowing that step back and enjoy the counrty, peole sights and sounds.
Missing you however know that you are accomplishing what has been long in the planning, Nice to now you are still just a phone call away. Sending you my love, words of encouragement to know that I am proud of what you are doing , most of all the person you are. Take Care Love Mom
no playing with bulls.
ReplyDelete