Istvan picked me up at the train station in Pamplona as promised. I was in for a treat because he had to wait in town for another pilgrim that was scheduled to arrive later in the afternoon, so he gave me a personal tour of Pamplona. It was great, I was also able to find an ATM and mail the rolling duffel bag with my extra clothes to the Santiago Pilgrim Forum office.
I saw the bullring and Papa Hemingway's statue. We had cafe con leche at the station while waiting. The other pilgrim was a young Hungarian. He was planning to leave from Saint Jean Pied de Port so Istvan proposed that I ride with them to SJPDP in France and he would then drop me off in Roncesvalles where I would begin my walk. This was a great idea! I got to see the French Gate at SJPDP and walk through the town with the other pilgrims from all over the world. It was quite exciting.
Istvan also suggested that I leave my back pack at his place and walk with a light daypack. Another brilliant idea! That way, Istvan got another paid night from me during this slow season and I was able to walk quite easily with a light pack. This was a "win-win" for both of us. I walked the 12km from Roncesvalles to Bizkaretta and Istvan's pension. Here is the link to Istvan and Barbara's place: Corazon Puro Pension. After I showered, hand washed my clothes and hung them out to dry in the sun, I took a nap. When I awoke, Barbara (Istvan's wife) informed me that a road crew had cut the water main and we had no water. Good thing I had already showered! We had dinner and then Istvan drove me back to Roncesvalles for the Pilgrim Mass and Blessing. That was pretty cool!! At the Pilgrim's office, they will ask your nationality when you check in. Then after the mass, the priest gives the Pilgrim's blessing in every language represented.
Ok, tired now, must get to bed. Early start in the morning.
No comments:
Post a Comment