Madrid/Pamplona

A rainy and chilly morning kept us lingering over our breakfast. We still had hours to wait for our rooms, but the bar was getting busier so we decided to head over to the nearby square and found a table under big (holey) umbrellas. We ordered a pitcher of sangrias and settled in to people watch while also trying to stay warm and dry as shower after shower moved through.

We were finally able to check in to the Airbnb and take a nap  before meeting two of Carlos's friends he'd met through work and kept in contact with. We enjoyed an appetizer of breads and delicious cheeses and entree of roasted potatoes with a spicy sauce and octopus (not my favorite).

Next day...

The time change is catching up to me - I didn't sleep more than an hour despite the comfy bed.

1pm... Currently on the train to Pamplona watching the countryside -  dotted with wind turbines, old crumbling villages and the first of the poppies - whiz by.

Arrived Pamplona about 2p. We all crashed for about 2 hours before going out to see a few sights and grab a drink at Cafe Iruna where Hemingway used to hang out. Cindy and I had breakfast here on our first Camino three and s half years ago, but it was new to Carlos. Still pretty impressive.

We found the Pilgrim's store, purchased our poles and then on to a delicious dinner at another restaurant Cindy and I had lunched at the last time we were there, La Ollla.

We're also staying at the same lovely hotel - Yoldi - a perfect location. Madrid is cool and I'd recommend visiting it; but as we walked around Pamplona last evening, I like the vibe better here.Read more