Flying can be a stressful ordeal. I set my expectations low with service so when I get bad service it’s no big deal. When I receive good service it becomes a pleasure. This is based on travel experiences as a single woman, a mother and now a married woman who sometimes travels alone. That’s all I will say about this subject.
We flew from Chicago O’Hare to Charlotte to Madrid to Pamplona. Spent a day in Pamplona before continuing by bus to St. Jean Pied de Port. A day in Pamplona was a good rest along with discovering this city that we will be returning to in a week “a pie” (by foot).
We will enjoy St. Jean Pied de Port for two and a half days (3 nights). Many pilgrims only spend a night there and never really get to see the beauty of the town. Also spending more time helps acclimate to the time and altitude while enjoying the town, food, wine and people. Our first hike is short (8 km/5miles) but we gain a lot of altitude.
So St. Jean Pied de Port is our mile zero.
Pamplona, Spain is famous for its running of the Bulls, yet there is so much more to enjoy there.
Statue of the Running of the Bulls and entrance to the Bull Ring
Pintxos (peen-choes) and a local white wine
Signage leading the pilgrims into St. Jean Pied de Port, France & a hostel sign with the universal pilgrim’s greeting “Buen Camino”
Porte Notre-Dame with the church Église Notre-Dame du Bout de Pont (left side)
Ah, thus we gather the fabled “pied piper of Hamlin” was by definition a foot traveler? And happily neither of you are footsore yet, nor but eagerly taking in the sights with anticipation. Wow. Was that dinner? Looks too tasty. Thank you very much for keeping us updated on your travels, that we might vicariously enjoy the experience even if we are relegated to being mere “armchair” pilgrims. Hope your journey never loses its freshness. Shall I close with Buen Camino?