Camino Day 4: Pamplona
“Everything that is not eternal is worthless in eternity.”
Day 4: 11.2 Kilometres - 17,351 Steps
First priority: laundry. We find a laundromat and while our clothes are washing we pop into the Cathedral. It is AWESOME. Attached to the cathedral is an extensive museum, one of the best religious museums I have ever visited. Beautifully executed including a history of the church from early Roman times (there is a section of excavation of the original roman church on site) through the Crusades to modern times. Great displays with atmospheric use of music and lighting. Also, I am the only person in the museum, I have it all to myself and its very special, quiet and moving. When I exit the museum I see Donna and realize that she hasn’t even been to the museum section yet – she has spent all her time photographing inside the cathedral. She will be hours!! So I head her in the right direction and tell her I’ll sort the washing, which I remove from the washer, dump in the dryer, fold and take back to the hotel, then return to the Cathedral – all before Donna finishes in the museum – success.
We head to a department store to buy some Skins (lycra shorts) for me. I’ve had some chaffing on my knees in these early days and I want to sort it out before it becomes an issue. Pamplona is a beautiful city and Spring bulbs bloom everywhere. The department store is out of the historical centre and we get a feeling for the normal life of the city. It’s Saturday and the place is vibrant. It’s fun shopping with Donna, we try on clothes and buy what we need. This includes a pair of flat shoes for Donna! She needs something comfortable she can wear after walking that aren’t heels. She is not impressed but I push the issue and she selects a pair of flats which she calls ‘nun’s shoes’.
From 2-5pm the town closes for siesta. Restaurants don’t open for food until 8pm but tapas starts at 5pm and this is a tapas town – no need for a main meal. The tapas is so gorgeous to look at, even more delicious to eat. Prices range from E1 – E5 per piece and almost everything is served on bread. But unlike tapas at home, it’s not just a piece of jamon, but elaborate savory delicacies like we have never seen before.
Donna takes loads of photos. The bars are heaving, bands play, people of all ages spill out into the street in noisy groups with food and drinks. The party looks like it will last all night – but we are sleepy pilgrims in bed asleep by 10pm. For tapas delights and a taste of bar culture visit the page….
POSTCARDS FROM PAMPLONA
