Marilyn's Odyssey: Start of Camino

Well today is one I have been waiting for. I meet up with my group later today and travel to Roncesvalles to start my Camino. I know the walks will be long each day but I look forward to the challenge. Will be nice to have some English speaking travelers along. I have had a great time in Pamplona and am very greatful that I took Spanish lessons as very few speak English. It is the first time ever that I have been in a foreign country on my own and I get satisfaction in how well I have gotten along. Perhaps it is good to be in the situation where one must communicate themselves and not rely on someone else. Yes I mean you Eric.

Yesterday I walked the old city walls which is a five km route which takes you around the old town. Steeped in history it was a fascinating time. I can not get over how quiet some places are here. On this walk I only passed a half dozen people. The walk ended in the most beautiful manicured garden with acres of displays and even here I only came across two people other than the gardeners. Was a real pleasure to be able to wander without throngs of people.

I have now had my introduction to pinchos which is what they call tapas in Northern Spain. In the afternoon I sat in a bar in Plaza Del Castillo which Hemmingway used to frequent and had an amazing array of food with a glass of wine of course. In the evening I did as the locals do and went to a couple of places and had a pinchos at each. I am hooked.

The Spanish take their siestas seriously and most everything shuts down from 130-430. The streets are empty and do not really start to come alive until six or so. Wonderful to see all the families out with all their children. Fun to see small children on their riding toys on the cobblestone streets.