Saturday, September 17, 2011

Pamplona, yes where the bulls run :)



We arrived in Pamplona in the late morning after leaving some of our friends in Arre.  We were still travelling with Sarah and Sarah (who we nicknamed Peligrosa and Tortuga).  It is very apparent to us now that we must walk at our own pace.  The four of us explored the city together before splitting up for awhile and would later meet up for dinner and wine.  Pamplona (where we are currently updating the last several days) has been very restful and is a wonderful city. 





 We started into the city by passing the Plaza de Toros where the bulls end their run during the festival of San Fermin in early July.  Per the plan of having a day of rest and getting some good sleep, we opted for a proper hotel.  Just the two of us in a room and a private bathroom...how quickly that becomes a luxury!!!
 It was an excellent night´s sleep and we are feeling well rested today.  We have done a small amount of wandering around the city (in non-blister-forming flipflops) and have seen some beautiful architecture.  We walked down the Calle Estafeta where the bulls run....there is NO room to hide!


We have had a fair amount of leisure time and time to wash our clothes (and yet have had difficulty finding an internet cafe) and are somewhat demoralized by losing our momentum by the temporary change from pilgrim to tourist.  We are, again, sleeping in a converted monastery/church tonight.  This one houses some 100 pilgrims.  We are ready for the heat and the snoring and the poor quality of sleep.  Thankfully, we showered at the hotel this morning as we found out that the bathrooms are not only small but co-ed. 

Hopefully, we will be back on the Camino in full strength tomorrow.  Thanks for reading and posting comments.
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10 comments:

  1. AnonymousSeptember 17, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    I know it slowed you down--but a hotel and a good night's sleep sounded just right around now! Hope the blisters heal--tell the Sarah's that Sara says Hola. M&D

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  2. Rachel WinzelerSeptember 17, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    OHHHHH!so loving being able to read about your adventures!!!! so very green with envy:) awww! not really--too full of happiness for you guys! Rock on!!!

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  3. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Testing....palabra

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  4. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    Hola amigos, adventuras es mui bien! Mantener en el carro.

    Patricio (TG) and Stephania

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  5. Isabel MaríaSeptember 18, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    (Forgive my mistakes of my poor English). I am Isabel María, pilgrim from Madrid, participating with you at dinner in the lodge of Arre on Friday.
    Yesterday I returned to Madrid, what a pity!. The days I have left I will spend the holiday with my mother on the beach.
    Have been only 4 days away from Roncesvalles, is my 2nd Camino, which will go by in stages due to time constraint. Only 4 days, but again, the Camino has left me with indelible memories.

    Jessica, do not forget how kind you were to ask the kitchen if I wanted to attend the dinner you were going to prepare, the small gestures distinguish the great people.
    Brian, I was thrilled when you said the blessing before eating, something simple but important: how much we thank, as being able to eat every day.

    I spent a very pleasant evening with you and Sarah and Sarah. I remember you these days, as you coming to Santiago. My heart stays on the Camino again.

    BUEN CAMINO!

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  6. Kierstan HansonSeptember 19, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    I can feel the camaraderie through your posts. What a blessing!

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  7. HubesSeptember 20, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Was it a holiday inn express?

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  8. AnonymousSeptember 20, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    brian and jess! sounds like your trip has been exciting, frustrating, exhilarating, tiring and fulfilling...already! just as world traveling should be. all is well in hoosier-ville...brian, one of your patients came into the ED the other day and was asking for you, so I gave him this website. hope you don't mind. can't wait to hear what's up next on this great adventure! our love, c+c

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  9. Patrick LeonardSeptember 21, 2011 at 12:07 AM

    Brother, I hope you are taking the photos I requested.

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  10. Brian and JessSeptember 21, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    Wow!!! How great to have everyone posting with words of encouragement!

    In response, somewhat in order
    1. Isabel - it was great meeting you and having a communal dinner with you! Best of luck on completing the Camino...whenever that is
    2. Huber - No it was not a holiday inn (though that would have been nice). We stayed in a very simple, somewhat expensive, hotel near one of the main plazas in Pamplona....we each took 3 showers
    3. C&C music factory - quite alright to pass along the blog to former patients. I hope everyone is doing well back at SJRMC and we hope you are getting settled in to South Bend
    4. Brother, we will post pictures as soon as possible. Computers are still somewhat limited and far between (also, walking 8-9 hours a day comsumes most of your energy)
    So glad everyone is reading and posting

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