Friday, April 26, 2013

Day 5 walking. Just a short day... To Cizor Menor April 26

Had planned to stay an extra day in Pamplona, but after a walk around the city walls in the rain, we opted to go on. Walking around Pamplona in the rain or walking along the camino in the rain??? Only a few places open early, as in after 9am, we opted to go on.




Sore feet, a painful blister, continuing rain.  Time for a hot chocolate in a bar in Cizor Menor and opportunity to study options. Hot chocolate never tasted so good, but the longer we sat, the colder we got.

Big decision, walk on or stay. Walking posed problems. I could probably go 5km, but maybe not 12. Next Albergue didn't have food or a bar, so we would have to find and carry food. More to carry! Unlikely I could get further to the next town after that. .... And we were feeling colder. The thought of walking out in the rain, and the cold seemed so much harder than earlier in the day, so we opted to stay here, having only walked 5km. Joined the group of pilgrims waiting for the 1pm opening of the Albergue.

Lunch... Such a laugh. We had noticed an 'asado' across the road. Really looking forward to some spit roasted lamb. But we were discouraged from entering by a woman who told us ' no pilgrim menu, solo a la carte'. We tried to tell her that was ok, but Spanish only, she mentioned some other bar across the road etc etc.

We got the message - It was a bit upmarket for us. So we went around the corner, and in another door to the same restaurant. And to be honest, it was a bit up-market... Suits, fur coats and pearls. I didn't quite fit in with my socks and thongs!!! (And Peruvian beanies, of course) But I kept my feet well hidden under the table.

And the spit roast 3-5 mth old lamb was excellent. Didn't leave a scrap. Enjoyed a bottle of wine with lunch. 59€ included a charge for water and bread. Payed it gladly. It was scrumptious, especially on this cold cold day.

Back in the hostel, there's a communal area with free wifi.  Guess where everyone is. A kit-kat from the vending machine wasn't bad either.

By now we are out of sync with many of the people we met earlier, so we continue to make new friends, and those we have met previously (even only once) are welcomed like long lost acquaintances. Such amazing experiences. Met up with Pierre again here.

People are welcoming, and giving.  Today I have been offered plasters, creams as well as advice for my blister, which btw has not improved with my fleece treatment. Watch for further updates on that one!

Notes to Self.

  • 5km Pamplona to Cizor Menor
  • Albergue de Maribel 6€ - centre of town

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