Pintxos

We're in Basque country, so it's 'pintxos' - 'tapas' comes later. Don't say you don't learn anything on this blog. Literally my only goal in Pamplona was to have a glass of txakoli, (pronounced cha-koh-lee) aka a very dry, fizzy, light wine, typically poured at great height, ideally into this thirsty little pilgrim's mouth. It's regional so after Logrono we probably won't see it. Time's tickin.

We got our toes wet in the afternoon post-laundry walk, alas no txakoki (you mean to tell me google has LIED, it's not available in every bar in Pamplona?) but a very nice dry white wine regardless. I got cod in a tomatoey oniony pond, Branna got cheese with jam on bread, both were insanely delicious, we were SMUG let me tell you.

After repose we re-emerged about 7:30pm for the main event and headed 400m to Bar Gaucho. Google has just informed me the Michelin sign on it refers to the fact it is "listed as a recommended restaurant/tapas bar in the Michelin Guide, holding a selection badge rather than a Michelin star" but we won't hold that against it. We have no business anywhere with stars.

As it was, Branna held down a table outside while I entered the moshpit, and managed to order two txakoli and like a soft set egg in a thick cream mushroom sauce/soup, with crispy potato sticks on top and bread. Tasted significantly better than it sounds. Txakoli is nice in the way really watery beers like great northern are nice - there's a time and a place!

A dutch guy from our communal dinner in Roncesvalles stopped to say hello and we delivered a 20 minute sermon on behalf of the Tasmanian Tourism Board. Come Down For Air, Sjoerd! Branna explained the intricacies of the Overland booking system and we tactfully explored what the BITCHY woman from Western Australia might have meant by her passive aggressive 'jokes' about the state.

I've already had one woman that wronged me (a whole church actually) trip and fall spectacularly on the trail, and if I see a purple puffer jacket go down, it'll be two for two deserving recipients. We got back to the albergue at 9:30pm which is actually rockstar behaviour by pilgrim standards, might throw a tv off the bunk. Night!Read more