Sunday, June 9, 2024 Traveljng to Pamplona

 Our green and white bus and driver, Alancha, met us at 9am and helped us pack our baggage. It was cloudy and cool, but it wasn't raining. Augustin told us our schedule, and talked about the Camino. At our first stop at St Jean  Pied de Port, traditional starting point for pilgrims who walk the Camino.  Augustin  took us on a walk through the narrow cobblestone streets and pointed out signs on the road, at the road, and on doors of dwellings, all helpful to pilgrims.  On one door was a sign indicating they were full.We took timeto savor the welcoming atmosphere.

  Alancha  had a touch drive today, driving  mainly hairpin turns as we climbed the Pyrenees, about four thousand feet on today’s drive. At our next stop we had the option to walk about 2 miles with Augustin to the third stop for lunch. It was a beautiful walk mainly through woods. We talked as we walked, especially about people who make this pilgrimage. We learned this one of the most popular pilgrimages in the world,  and it has been so since the Middle Ages,  after the bones of St James had been recovered from the ocean.

  Our lunch was plentiful and delicious. White asparagus, fish croquettes,  fresh leafy salad, and small sausages preceeded themain course of beef followed by dessert of pudding with caramelized top and a licorice drink. Thank goodness I didn't have any wine with the meal. Needless to say our table conversation was lively and lengthy.

Most of us dozed on the bus for the hour ride to Pamplona. After settling into our rooms we went on an orientation walk with Augustin. He helped locate stores we might wish as well as giving  us a lesson ordering food and beverages at local tapas bars. These are sights for socializing. With vpa voucher from Augustin we  visited the bar and practiced ordering food and drink. Still, feeling full from our large lunch we each ordered a beverage and pointed to snacks we wished eat. I chose a cheese spinach, and mushroom dish which was warmed and the size of a tasty before dinner snack.  We joined others from our group, moved outside to eat, drink, and talk. Although I felt full I walked with a several others to another tapas bar. The guys ordered drinks and a few tapas. All warm, and talked some ore. I drank water. We knew how to make our way back to the hotel, and parted. I feel  comfortable ordering at a tapas bar and good about conversations today.

  It's 11pm. Gute Nacht.  

  

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