Spain
Plaza Consejo

Discover travel destinations of travelers writing a travel journal on FindPenguins.
Travelers at this place
    • Day 12

      We have a plan - Obanos

      May 17 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

      We moved on from Pamplona and headed to Obanos..

      The path was very populated at the beginning of the morning and day.

      We reached the top standing next to humongous wind turbines and the state of the Pilgrim. We celebrated with smiles enjoyed conversation with others from all around the world . It was also very emotional.

      We decided to stay in Obanos. It was a lovely Pension’ run by an elderly couple. They were sweet, firm and very hospitable. They made us dinner in their home and we sat at their dinning room table.

      The couple cooked I t he kitchen for us and pour us some wine. Maria & Pedro. We’re so lovely and humorous. 💜

      Amy made it fun with Spanish- English chit chat with the couple. I sat and listened picking up a few Spanish worlds here and there.

      Maria said she had done the Camino a couple times and it’s very heavy. Shared some stories.

      Maria and Pedro pool looked luscious - and it’s was cold 🥶. I plugged my whole body into it. My knees and hips were killing me. The cold pool provided relief! Yay!!

      Next morning….

      Off to Villatuerta - We had a plan the next morning to pack our day pack as light as possible and send the rest with luggage transport. We heard the trail was less intense and so we wanted to go light. Have an “easy” day!🤣🤣🤣

      However luggage transport arrived 30 minutes early and wasn’t going to wait for us. We packed in a chaotic state. Cramming anything and everything in our luggage nit wanting to carry it.

      We did the best we could under pressure AND when all was said and done we had way too much to carry that day. It was weird irony that we had gotten the lesson on packing light and was prepared to do so and then the Camino said one more day you can walk with your crap on your back ! 🤣

      We had a few stops on our way to Villatuerta. One town we arrived in had a small church where I went to go visit and pray and meditate. They had a pilgrim meditation. It moved me very much. And……. I cried! 🤣🙌💜. I met a woman from Scotland that started talking about letting go very interesting conversation and I/we met a guy named Fred from the Netherlands. He is kind and caring.
      Read more

    • Day 11

      Bring on the bulls Pamplona!

      May 16 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

      Pamplona! I’m here! Why am I crying??
      Lawd I couldn’t stop crying!!

      Anyways……

      Upon arrival at our hotel I felt weary and grateful. My legs were like spaghetti noodles. The hotel was awesome!

      I took a long hot and then a cold shower to reset.
      I rubbed my legs out hoping they would stop throbbing …………..and cried!

      Amy brought me a tasty cold Estella beer from the bar and delivered it to my room.

      After I cleaned myself up, I met up with some of the group to head out for Pintxos (Pinchos) bar walk.

      I walked with one trek pole to help support my knee and weight while walking.

      Walking through the streets of Pamplona was a nice introduction to the Spanish bar culture. The food and beverage were great and very reasonably priced. The architecture was fabulous.

      The cadence in how you order and communicate vino tinto con lemon and point at various Pintxos to order was fabulous! The scene was reasonably priced.

      Btw, I never had this drink vino tinto con lemon. Amy ordered it. It’s red wine with lemon soda and ice. It’s super refreshing!

      I chatted with various folks that are walking the Camino and listening to them inspired me and lifted me up. I went and had dinner with Amy and you guessed it …….I cried! Amy listened and lifted me up! 💜
      After dinner I was hopeful that maybe I could recover the next day but I didn’t know.

      THE NEXT DAY……YA’LL!

      I woke up and felt physically wiped out and a little bit better physically and emotionally. Not 100%, but better. It was a full rest day in Pamplona. I slept in. Chores needed to be done like laundry, get some euros, a stop at the pharmacy for medicine for my legs and some compression socks and knee sleeves. We also needed to book more accommodations for our stage stops after we leave pamplona. We had no place to stay.

      Amy checked in on me 😊 and went to have cafe con leche and start planning our next stage. I soon followed her down to the bar for Tortilla Espanol.

      It’s kinda like an egg and potato frittata, it’s super yummy and satisfying. They have different flavors. They salt the eggs perfectly!

      I sat with Amy to discuss our next stage. Our guide Nancy came to meet us and check on us and our planning. We are headed to Obanos tomorrow. The walk will have an ascent and descent.

      I did laundry, chatted with others on the Camino and now off to meet Amy for Pintxos, beer and wine! 🍷 💃🏽….

      Feeling lighter and happier. 😊 still crying literally!! 😊
      Read more

    • Day 10

      On to Pamplona….

      May 15 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

      We Arrived to Pamplona from Zubiri.

      There were beautiful flowers, shaded tree canopy and a river flowing throughout the day. I think we were walking through wheat fields. There was a closed bar/cafe, its gate and base were hand carved with many ornamental symbols. Zoom in to see them all.

      The cafe we stopped in was a great place to rest and relax and it was at the river. I soaked my feet and knees in the chilly river water. I was careful to fully dry my feet before heading back out on the walk.

      I had an Emotional and humbling day.

      I cried a lot today on the trail, I cried in the cafe, I cried by the river and I pretty much cried all day and night. God spoke to me loud and clear about my homework.

      I arrived in Pamplona tired, a little homesick and a little broken.
      Read more

    • Day 9

      'Zero Day' Pamplona

      June 5, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

      While I feel like I've been taking it really easy, my 'zero' day is still more than 10 miles of strolling through the City. Much of it with a pack.

      But I enjoyed a luxurious morning of not one, but two different versions of chocolate croissant, along with two delicious cafes americano in two very distinct cafe settings.

      This brings a big smile to my very soul. Chocolate croissants are my love language and I have loved myself well today.

      I also enjoyed a fantastic three course lunch on a nice terrace. Cafe Bula, very reasonable at 19€ for more food than I should've eaten.

      The afternoon included a mediocre but pleasant 60minute massage folowed by a rainstorm that forced me into El Gaucho where I was fed outstandingly delicious snacks (with draft beers) for under $5.

      The ice cream dessert was my own doing.

      On the way home I may or may not have stopped for some jamón and a splash of beer.

      I'm so happily overfed that I feel mildly delirious.

      In the interest of geting some sleep/rest, I've splurged on a private room that specifically advertises itself as "soundproof". Vamos a ver.

      Having a full-size bed and a private bath feels luxurious after a week of having up to 12 people in the same room.

      Pamplona.... Show up hungry.
      And be aure to look around. It's a treat.
      Read more

    • Day 5

      Pamplona

      September 12, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

      Die Nacht in Zubiri war richtig gut, trotz der vielen Pilger konnte ich gut schlafen. Nach dem Frühstück ging es "geplant" Richtung Arre und von da aus wollten wir nach Pamplona mit dem Bus fahren.
      Bei Nebel liefen wir durch ein Industriegebiet immer mal wieder durch ein kleines Dorf. Bergauf oder Bergab, der Weg war durch den Regen sehr aufgeweicht und schlammig. Unterwegs trafen wir eine ältere Pilgerin die schon ein paar Caminos gelaufen war. Sie erzählte uns dass sie den Camino Frances in zwei Etappen laufen würde, weil sie an Parkinson erkrankt ist. Sie ist auch den Küstenweg gelaufen und erzählte wie traumhaft dieser war, Strandbar an Strandbar... Langsam kam immer mehr die Sonne raus und es wurde wärmer. Da unser heutiger Weg immer wieder durch kleine Dörfer verlief kam es mir gar nicht so lang vor. In Zabaldika entdeckten wir am Wegesrand Feigenbäume, wir entdeckten einige reife Früchte. Es war ein Genuss und es gab mir etwas Energie für die nächsten Kilometer. In Arre angekommen entschieden wir, wir laufen weiter bis Pamplona. Auf diesem Weg kamen immer mehr Cafés, Supermärkte, kleine Geschäfte. Es gab überall etwas zu schauen. Langsam hatte ich keine Lust mehr und wir machten eine kleine Pause in einem kleinen Café. Cappuccino mit einem Blätterteiggebäck irgendwie mit Nüssen garnicht so süß. Auf ging es zu unserem Hostel, die kleinen Gassen wurden immer schöner, belebter, kleine Tapasbars. Genauso habe ich es mir vorgestellt und endlich fühle ich mich wie in Spanien.
      Im Zimmer angekommen fielen wir alle erstmal ins Bett aber ich wollte einfach nur duschen. Meine Waden schmerzten und bei einer kleinen Fuss Massage entdeckte ich die ersten zwei Blasen. SOS... Erste Hilfe Paket ausgepackt... Nach einer Pause im Bett machten wir uns auf den Weg Sightseeing. Auf dem Weg kam ich mir ab und an vor, wie das dritte Rad am Wagen. Aber vielleicht war ich auch einfach nur geschafft, hungrig und müde. Zum Abendessen suchten wir uns eine kleine Tapasbar und entdeckten diese direkt in unserem Hostel. Es war sooo gut von allem etwas, kleine Dinge zum kosten. Ich hatte Patata Bravas mit Aioli, eine gefüllte Pfefferschote mit einer Füllung aus Fleisch, Zucchiniröllchen mit Käse und Schinken wobei Katja da eine Entdeckung von kleinen Würmern, das sah überhaupt nicht lecker aus. Auf Nachfrage teilte uns der Kellner mit dass sei Goulas und schmunzelte. Janine unsere Google Expertin recherchierte, dass sei Fischersatz aus Surimi, bitte was macht das in diesem Zucchiniröllchen?.? Bei dem Anblick zog auch ich jedes einzelne Würmchen raus.
      Wir saßen noch ganz gemütlich in dieser Bar und Katja erzählte aus ihrer Kindheit. Janine wollte so gern noch churros essen. Also schaute ich mal ob es das in Pamplona geben könnte. Oh ja, gleich um die Ecke also los gehts...Auf dem Weg dahin schlenderten wir über den großen Marktplatz wo ein kleiner Fanfarenzug spielte und einige Passanten dazu tanzten, das sah aus wie ein Volkstanz im Kreis. Leider hatte das erste Geschäft schon geschlossen. Wir versuchten noch ein weiteres, oh ja es ist noch geöffnet. Ein sehr kleiner unscheinbarer Laden mit einer älteren Frau. Ich sah schon die Churros bei den anderen Gästen mit Schokoladensauce. Das sah so lecker aus und es war ein kleiner Genuss. Endlich konnten wir nach den letzten Tagen auch mal ein paar spanische Spezialitäten probieren.
      Auf dem Rückweg telefonierte ich noch mit Lennox, er war so glücklich am Telefon und es tat so gut seine Stimme zu hören. Ich empfand es auch als schön dass auch er sich mal gemeldet hat ohne ich habe kein Datenvolumen, ich habe kein WLAN.

      Dann sah ich eine Nachricht von Thomas, dass er sich Sorgen macht und ob wir unser Ziel erreicht haben? Dabei würde mir bewusst dass ich noch nicht mal auf seine morgendliche Nachricht reagiert habe aber er mich schon über den Tag gedanklich begleitet hat. Aber ich habe irgendwie keine Lust zum schreiben, ich glaube ich bin auf der Suche nach dem Gefühl des vermissen. Ob er wohl der richtige ist? Ob ich außer meinen Ängsten noch etwas fühlen kann? Es sind noch so viele Fragen offen und ich fühle mich nicht als Teil in seinem Leben... Das muss ich unbedingt noch auf meinem Weg klären. Für mich, mit ihm und für uns.

      Gefühle: zum Start begleitete mich die Angst und ich wusste gar nicht warum, vielleicht ist es doch etwas zu viel und ich brauche etwas Ruhe oder sind es mir doch ab und mal zu viele Menschen.
      Read more

    • Day 9

      23 Agosto - Los Quebrantahuesos

      August 23, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 39 °C

      Traduzione letterale: I frantuma ossa.

      Ovvero avvoltoi che hanno il becco così forte da frantumare le ossa.
      Andare a fotografare gli avvoltoi ed i rapaci era uno degli obiettivi principali di questo viaggio.
      Tenendo presente che ho fatto più di 350 scatti e per un totale inesperto come me in caccia fotografica non sembrano venute male.

      Lo shooting è stato effettuato presso il merendero, pardon il comedero, gestito da una associazione locale di Ainsa che si occupa della reintroduzione dei rapaci sui Pirenei. Devo dire con ottimo successo.

      Ho girato un piccolo video in diretta su IG , ma non riesco a scaricarlo: temo ci riuscirò solo quando rientrerò in Italia.

      Purtroppo non ci sono foto da smartphone ma ero troppo impegnato con la reflex .

      Prometto però farò uno special sugli avvoltoi.

      In questa impronta troverete anche qualche foto fatta nelle campagne tra Ainsa e Pamplona.

      Troverete anche qualche snapshot di Pamplona ma ho fatto veramente quasi niente perché il caldo è inimmaginabile. Avete presente un gigantesco phon? Ecco così ! Il tragitto dal parcheggio all'hostal un incubo alle h 16.00 .
      E per cena ho aspettato che almeno calasse il sole.

      Adesso h 21.16 momento in cui scrivo ci sono 35 gradi

      Nota : alcune immagini si riferiscono al comedero e relativi hides prima dell' arrivo dei volatili
      Read more

    • Day 9

      Zubiri to Pamplona

      June 22, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

      We have a wrench in the plan. It changes everything. I’ll get to that in a minute.

      Yesterday started well again. I think we were in a very nice groove of hiking by 9am and we felt like we were making good time. Jon has had some feet issues that has slowed him down a bit but he’s a trooper and isn’t complaining. He bought new boots for the trip and didn’t quite break them in enough. Also he has a heat rash all over his feet which also has turned into blisters. On the other hand Aiden brought a pair of hole-y sneakers (which I was horrified to see him wearing when it was too late at the airport because I asked him if he needed new shoes). His feet are fine and so are the rest of ours. Go figure. We got a stamp a few hours into our hike by a volunteer at a church who was also giving advice. Our goal was to stay ahead of the ladies group who had no image of athleticism but somehow was always on our tail catching up to us when we had just seen them doing yoga in a town square. How do they do it?!

      We always seem to drag after lunch and the last two hours are rough. But we made it to Pamplona by 2pm and checked into our air conditioned hotel!! Yay!!! Ollie and I went to the train station to get jet out reservations for Sarria. Here’s the snafu. No reservations available. Not for a week! We can’t get on a train!!!! The renfe site wouldn’t let me book the tickets ahead of time using my Eurail pass so it had to be in person. I worried about this part of the trip but assumed they could add more cars on a train if it fills up. Nope. I think it’s a combination of fires south blocking the trail, pope announcement that he’s going to Santiago, and maybe some construction on a route. It’s the trifecta of problems for us. In fact there are no trains to northwest spain at all. So… what do we do? Here’s our plan so far. We booked another night in Pamplona to rest and decide. Today we talk to the pilgrim’s office and make a solid plan. To be continued….
      Read more

    • Day 10

      Stuck in Pamplona

      June 23, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

      I left off this journal yesterday not knowing if we were going to get out of Pamplona and if we would even finish our journey. We went to bed after a few prayers a very lovely bottle of local wine (the waitress for some reason gave me the whole bottle?!) and slept in a great hotel with air conditioning and was served a genuine all you can eat breakfast (the boys made good on that deal) and suddenly the answer was in front of us. We needed to ask the pilgrims office for help. It just so happened to be right around the corner from our hotel. The pilgrims office helper called around and typed into his computer like a mad man and threw out the wild idea of taking an over night bus to Sarria. We had to decide how badly we wanted to finish this. Our other option was to head to the Mediterranean and sit in Barcelona for a week. Everyone agreed to continue on. I guess we are on a mission (dare I say “from God”?!). We leave tonight at 10:30pm and get to Sarria at 10:33am tomorrow. Then we start hiking again. Now, I know my limits. And there is no way I can do a 24km hike after a red eye bus ride. So we booked a taxi service to get us right at the 100km mark outside Santiago so our compestellas are still legit. We hike 10km (much easier) and stay in an apartment in Pontmarin and we are back on track with timing. I had already canceled all of my hotel and albergue bookings so we wouldn’t lose money when I thought we wouldn’t make it. So now we hike like real pilgrims with no plans and hope for the best. Buen Camino! (God is protecting us and helping is through the journey! I kind of think these frustrations are all a part of his plan to teach us. The boys definitely learned how to handle set backs. No one panicked. No one argued. We just worked it out and the answer was presented to us.)

      So what did we do with our time today? We walked around town and saw the running of the bulls road and the stadium. We saw the wall and the park. We sat in a cafe for hours while it rained and had hot chocolate and churros. It was a day of resting our legs. Jon bought some new shoes and socks and is already free of his heat rash. Oh. Also, I insisted on Donner Kebab for dinner. I lived in that stuff when Jon worked in Germany and I roamed the streets of Heidelberg every day. It was a fond trip down memory lane for me. Tomorrow we catch up to our schedule and are back on track.
      Read more

    • Day 10

      Zubiri to Pamplona

      April 30, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

      We followed the River Arga for most of the day which was very pretty. Caught up with fellow pilgrims for an early lunch and coffee.

      Once we neared Pamplona though it was a very long 6km walk along paved paths which seemed to take forever to get to our hotel. Again we saw many pilgrims searching for accommodation as tomorrow is May Day and everything was booked out.

      I have a private room tonight which should revive and refresh me.

      After a quick rest Sandra and I bumped into Andy and we had some great pinxos and vino tinto. There were people everywhere celebrating the bank holiday weekend.

      Sercotel Hotel Europa
      26kms
      Read more

    • Day 3

      Urdaniz - Pamplona

      May 3, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

      17km - vandag se stap was blits vinnig verby. Die woude is verruil met klein plaas dorpies en die son wat op die nat gras skyn is goed vir mens se siel. Lente is in volle blom en mens stop elke 5 mins om die vulletjies en lammetjies te probeer afneem.

      Lekker gesels met mense langs die pad help vir gister se seer bene en die tyd vlieg verby. Dit maak ook n groot verskil as mens n goeie nag slaap in het. Ons is nou offisieel in die Basque country.

      Ongelukkig het Pamplona gegroet met n hengse motor ongeluk wat naby die stap roete gebeur. Hoop die mense was OK.

      My laptop het veilig aangekom en is nou oppad met die Camino Correos tot in Santiago. Die staf hier is soveel meer hulpvaardig as in Barcelona.

      Nuwe binne sole is ook aangekoop vir die knorrende voete. Hopelik kan hulle nou verder as 7km loop sonder om n Café con Leche break te wil vat.

      Jou waardering groei soveel meer vir kleiner goedtjies. Skoon wasgoed by die laundromat. n Vars slaai en jou eie kamer na 4 aande van alburgues 😍
      Read more

    You might also know this place by the following names:

    Plaza Consejo

    Join us:

    FindPenguins for iOSFindPenguins for Android