Pamplona

Well I am finally here in Spain. Long day yesterday but it did help that I got upgraded. Nice to start my adventure with champagne.  The only un-nerving moment was when we were hit by lightening a few minutes out of Vancouver.  Made the loudest bang and filled the cabin with a flash. Was pleased to learn that planes are made for this but not an experience that I want to repeat anytime soon.

Have been out exploring Pamplona today.  Love the twisty narrow pedestrian streets that open up into welcoming squares lined with bars and shops.  The Europeans certainly know how to make their towns and cities people friendly.

I did what is referred to as the walk of the tourist which is following the path of the running of the bulls right from the corrall , through the narrow streets to the bull ring.  I can only imagine, with some help from Hemingway how exciting it must be with the streets lined with upwards of a million people cheering on a large group of thrill seekers being chased by a bunch of angry bulls each morning at 8am for a week every July.

Spent of couple of very peaceful hours exploring the Cathedral Santa Maria and its adjoining cloisters.  This was built in the 13th and 14th century and though the outside is quite plain one steps into a wonderful Gothic church lit by towering stain glass windows. The statues are exquisite and some date back to 1320.  I was lucky enough to have the church and cloisters to myself for quite a long period of time and it was quite humbling to sit and contemplate what has taken place in here over the centuries.

Start of the running of the bulls

Statue in honor of the yearly event

Side walkway in the church and bell tower below