DAY 4 : SPAIN : ZUBIRI to PAMPLONA - 21 kms - 6 hours

 

Distance walked so far : 824.2 kms

Weather : cloudy, intermittent showers - 26o

Our albergue (hostel) were up at about 6.30 - wake up call via the local church bell - and the local bar and alimentarie were ready for business at 7. We had freshly squeezed orange juice (zumo), pastries (postre) and cafe con leche (white coffee) - 3 euros. We were also able to get cheese and ham bocadillos (similar to a baguette) to take on our travels.



Small towns along the way - still in Basque colours.
 

 It was an uneventful walk - many of the paths have been paved since we walked this section in 2009 and an enterprising couple have opened a very 'cool' bar/ cafe along the route in a little village, providing fruit salads, pizza etc. for ravenous walkers.

Small cafe in Akerreta begun last year for walkers - good food,
music. Lucky for us, they were still open as they
close for the season next week.

 

Walking towards Pamplona, with the cathedral in
sight.

 

 It rained a little but not for long and we arrived in Pamplona after lunch. We've been able to organise our Spanish simcard and Mark has forwarded some of his luggage to Poste Restante in Santiago, which will make the going easier for him.

We are staying at a small albergue (hostel) on the River Arga in Pamplona. We are in a 4 bed-room. We are paying 8 euros each with light breakfast. This albergue is run by volunteers from a German confraternity. We have wifi, as we have had for the last 3 nights.

Our albergue, Casa Paderborn by the Arga River, Pamplona.

 

 

Pamplona  was founded by the Roman general, Pompey, on the Basque village of Iruna (still known as Iruna by Basque people) and was the original city in what became the Navarre region. It developed further because of the flow of pilgrims from the north, walking towards Santiago.

Town Hall, Pamplona.
There were originally 3 towns and this
building was constructed at the intersection
of them all to unify as one city in 1423.
It has an 18th century facade.

 

Residential streets in Pamplona.

Pamplona - home of San Fermin - the running of the bulls

 

Pintxos for dinner

 

 

Hams hanging in a local tapas/ pintxos bar.

M&M

10/10/12