Zubiri to Pamplona, so many contrasting views and sensations today from the quietness of the countryside to the rumble of the traffic and the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Camino is beginning to feel like a pilgrimage. The XIII -XVII church S. Esteban at Zabaldiki was very special and moving. We were met by a wonderful hospitalaro, who gave us fitting and moving text to read, which not only lifted our spirits but touched my heart deeply.
I have been walking with Roz today a beautiful soul from Northern Ireland now living in Wales. She was walking with a friend who sadly had to go back to the UK because of a family emergency. They say the Camino provides and for Roz is was me! I’ll leave you thinking about that for a moment. 🤣
Just before we decided to walk up to the church we were joined by a father and son walking the Camino from Australia. Genuine and big hearted pilgrims. We all had a good belly laugh about Barbara who sat top right on the first row of the shrine. It’s one of those funny times where you had to be there, god knows what the hospitalaro must have been thinking watching us crying with laughter.
Arre! We stopped here for some light refreshments. There was a festival in full swing, a great atmosphere and vibe in the town. I think it was some kind of music festival? However there were hundreds of bbq’s set up, so not too sure what that was all about. It was very busy.
Our first bocadillo of the way, very tasty, very big, very full after only managing to eat half of it. Mental note for next time don’t order calamari so you can wrap the remains for later.
The entrance to Pamplona is majestic and very moving. Santiago Peregrino is carved into the ancient stone pillar and stands sentinel over the magnificent medieval bridge, gateway to this beautiful and historic city.
In Pamplona big hearted hugs all round as we bumped into pilgrims we’ve met over the past three days. The Camino is developing a deeper significance than when I began.
Buen Camino
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