Day 18 - Pamplona - August 2

Day 18 - Pamplona - August 2

It was 99 degrees in northern Spain from Leon to Pamplona yesterday. I thought it was a little warm when I walked from the train station. Every one here was talking about how hot it was. Hmmm. Apparently between working inside and the foggy and rainy days in Santiago, because on the walk from the train station to the hotel, about 20 or 30 minutes, I got a little sunburned. lol Thank God for my Native American blood, it doesn't stay red for more than a few hours.  

After my exciting day on the Train, I relaxed in my room, hand washed my clothes (I'm on the Camino now,) took a shower, talked to and saw my adorable husband on Facetime, and then went out in search of food. I found a little outdoor tapas place and had gambas and pimientos de padron. There were a lot of folks there who were obviousLy locals, so I figured the food would be good. While I was eating the owner brought out a huge pan of paella, the pan was about 2.5 feet in diameter, and it was paella for everyone, gratis! The paella was clams and squid and it was delicious. 

The place I ate was on the Camino by the spectacular City Hall building. Being a plaza, being a warm evening, and being in Spain; there were lots of people in the Plaza hanging out, chatting, and laughing. Children were running around in between adult legs as though they were trees in a park. I love this about Spain! Every neighborhood has a plaza or park where people just go to visit with one another, exchange besas and abrazos, and enjoy the evening. 

It was 85 degrees when I went to sleep last evening. Today I'm going sight seeing and will call to see if there is a meeting tonight. 

And the sightseeing very interesting, relaxing and enjoyable. I am so glad I decided to spend the day here. Seeing the sights and learning the history of this town and area helped me understand more fully the Basque region. They are a proud a d dignified people who have their own language. During the Franco years they were forbidden to teach it or speak it. So the older people know it and the younger people have learned it in school. And I suppose those in the middle pick it up. The signs are written in Basque as well as Spanish. Many of the street names are Basque. 

I find the history of the Iberian peninsula fascinating. I believe understanding, at least a little, the Galician, Basque and Catalonian history and culture is important. Many of them will tell you they are not Spanish, they are Catalans, Basques or Galicians. It is a cultural issue, as well as a political issue. I am certainly no expert, not even knowledgeable, but teachable. Pamplona has taught me a lot. 

Also, I learned how to adjust my camera to capture the colds in the stained glass. I am super excited about that. I finally decided to bring it for it's telephoto capabilities, but the stained glass thing is just so exciting. The iPhone camera just doesn't get that. 

Last night I had a lovely salad and watched the US defeat Greece for the Bronze in Women's water polo at the World Championships in Barcelona. Got lost on the way back to hotel, so many winding streets. But made it back by locating the Camino signs implanted in the street and followed those, like the yellow brick road. Once again, the Camino provides. Back at the hotel I watched the Spanish Women's team defeat Australia for the gold in water polo. It was so exciting, I got super glue all over two of my fingers. lol Luckily they didn't stick together.