Good Morning Everyone!
Staying at off the beaten paths where most every pilgrim goes (main villiages and albergues) I´m often without a computer or cannot get on. I always prefer the off the beaten path...it´s where you find the magic.
On our 11th & 12th days dehydration had caught up with me because of a little known ¨Camino Swoosh¨...because of the language differences sign language is often used in this case........The Pilgrim bends forward (just a little) at the waist, then they take their fingers pointing upward towards their butt and with force and thrust their hand in a downward fashion towards the ground...SWOOSH...diarreah (sp?)! That´s how I got dehydrated. I´m doing better and knew I was well when my Happy Face and Spirit returned! Wooooooooo Hoooooooo!
In London on our way to France we met two adorable little girls...Chloe 10 & Darci 5 yrs. old who have been e-mailing me. I am now an official penpal to Chloe.
On Day 16 we stayed at one of my favorite albergue´s...St Nicojas. It is the Albergue that doesn´t have electricity only lit by candlelight. The Hospatalero´s were exciting beyond words. I was overwhelmed sitting at the head or end of a very long wooden table watching all the Pilgrim´s toast and eat dinner together. I was facing the Altar looking at the window at the far end of the room.
After our Foot Cleansing Ceremony Pilgrims´gathered around the table and outside to enjoy the blue sky and windy evening. Inside was a different story...Here I knelt between three Italian men singing Italian songs. One (Alberto) was a Gondolier in an earlier life and how he met his wife (Elvia) was singing to his hearts core. Then, Josepi and Giovani followed in sync. Their voices inside that little church was incredible and I found myself singing even though I didn´t know the words along with them...my arms around their shoulders, swaying this way and that, and then moving to Alberto giving him a hug as well. Oh my! My heart was overflowing with love once again!
Arriving early gave me a chance to wash every single item of clothing I had with me and watching it blow in the wind reminding me my childhood days when I helped mom hang clothes to dry. More wonderful memories.
Yesterday, I felt as mellow as the breeze blowing towards us across the wheat fields.
The farmers were out cutting in their wheat fields yesterday. We saw maybe an acre of lettuce and the rest of our view was wheat fields. We walked 17kms on a straight dirt road...the same where Nicole and I encountered our Englishmen in the jeep and giving us a short 3 min ride. More memories.
I stopped to see my friend Eduard arBoadilla del Camino where I was wonderfully greeted with a great big hug and ÄriZona, Hello!¨ He had a new computer and got rid of the one I had great difficulty with. Gracias my friend Eduardo.
Well we must get on the road. We will walk 26kms to Calzadilla de los Hemrmanillos. The day is cold and windy. We have been blessed with cool weather in the middle of June.
Yesterday we found out we will have another adventure. Marc (my Husband), found cheap tickets for us to fly to London. After the Camino we will be heading to OPORTO, Portugal where we will fly to London Stansted. Woooooooooo Hooooooooo!!!!! Another Adventure even if for a day.
Well, until another day and another place, Ciao my friends and family. Today will be more flat land. We will have another five days of flat land and then once again we will start climbing.
I forgot to add, two days ago Yvonne and I both fell flat on the concrete with our heavy packs slamming us into the ground. I was walking on the cotton from the cotton trees and enjoying the softness beneath my feet when...slam! I was on the ground...hidden was an uplifted piece of concrete. I didn´t get any bruises and was just fine. Yvonne, a few hours later...took a step on a sloping curb and in one swoop as her foot hit the ground her entire body went forward without any warning, also with her pack slamming her forward! Her left eyebrow immediately started swelling and before bedtime she was getting a big, black eye. Today, she has more color around her eye but says she feels okay. Caution: watch out for the backpacks of the Pilgrims´...they are hazardous to your health!
Buen Camino...I Love You All...AriZona
Friday, June 13, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Day 8 Logrono/ Day 9 Ventosa/ Day 10 Canas
Day 8 Los Arcos-Logrono
Hello everyone! We are still walking in rain and loving every minute of it! Soon, the sun will come and it will be hot.
On the way to Logrono today I had to stop in Viana to have lunch (where Nicole and I had this wonderful dinner) and I had this wonderful lunch once again. Several of our friends also stopped by and it became a very special meal. A lunch filled with emotional and spiritual connections.
With our friend Jean-Louis we talked about the three kinds of Love: Eros, Philos and Agape.
I was overwhelmed with the love of friends and mankind during this meal. Earlier this day we walked near a river where once again it was overflowing...Just as my heart was overflowing with love of the simplicity of friendship. Friendship is so important to value, we must not waist a moment gathering and sharing the love from those closest to us. I was so full of love that it carried my feet all day. Thank you my dear friends here and at home.
We stayed in the church in Logrono because the Albergue was full. Another wonderful evening. The Priest and a volunteer (Angel) created an atmosphere of generosity and love and laughter. Some of the pilgrim´s cooked the food that was gathered amongst them and then we ate at a long wooden table with good food, wine and more friendship. Before the meal there was a Chinese male who was cutting a man´s hair and asked if I wanted mine cut, oh no, thank you I said. He said I think, Just a little; no, no thank you and we laugh.
After dinner it became apparent that no one knew why this chinese man was at the albergue. The unfolding was hilarious. He spoke Chinese, the Spanish, germans, english, french were all trying to understand...no one could figure out who he was. We thought he was a volunteer, no. He wasn´t a Pilgrim...who was this masked hair stylist? This went on for more than an hour when the Priest finally pointed a finger for the Chinese man to follow him. I saw this while helping with dishes in the kitchen. I felt like I was in 3-5th grades in Catholic school when a nun or priest would point a finger to have someone follow them. I couldn´t stop laughing. It ended with The Chinese man being able to spend one night here and then he had to leave. I didn´t see him again.
Day 9 / Ventosa
Yvonne & I took a different road today that called to me. Not surprisingly, I found a jewel. A new albergue opened 2 months ago run by Enrique and Jutte. This will definitely be in my travels each time I come. Thank you Enrique and Jutte and all the pilgrims.
Day 10/ June 5, 2008 / Canas
Today we ventured far off the beaten path...the route of the monasteries. We stayed at the Cistercian abbey of Santa Maria founded in 1170. Sadly, most of the nuns who occupied this abbey have died and we encountered Mary Carmen and Padre Felix who so graciously let us sleep in a small tiled room...no beds...it was interesting, he didn´t want us to leave this little room for fear of someone seeing us since it felt we shouldn´t be there. We entered this room at 7:30 pm, daylight until nearly 10 pm and didn´t leave until he thought we had left this morning at 7 am when he opened our wooden door. He was such a sweetheart. We found time to do some long needed journaling and contemplating. Who had walked on these floors? What words had been spoken? Apparently Saint Francis of Assisi stayed here while journeying to Santiago. We felt honored to be here. Thank Padre and Mary Carmen.
On Days 9 & 10 we walked among rolling hills of grape vineyards. It made me think of Seasons of Change...Spring brings new growth. The stalk of the vine has a sturdy base, making me think of families needing sturdy bases. It´s never too late to form the base if it was not given in the first place. I thank our children for giving their children the strong bases for them to grow into loving and caring people, allowing them to stronly follow their own hearts and paths. I love each of you and my wonderful husband, Marc who gives everyone the base they need to continue their own paths. ILY My Sweet, Sweet Man.
Day 11/ June 11, 2008/ headed somewhere for another 15-20kms?
I leave you with these words:
To laugh is to risk appearing a fool
to weep is to risk being called sentimental
to reach out to another is to risk involvement
to expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self
to place your ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss
to love is to risk not being loved in return
to live is to risk dying
to try is to risk failure
but risks must be taken
because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
the people who risk nothing may avoid suffering and sorrow,
but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow or really live.
chained by their servitude they are slaves who have forfeited all freedom.
only a person who risks is truly free.
Hello everyone! We are still walking in rain and loving every minute of it! Soon, the sun will come and it will be hot.
On the way to Logrono today I had to stop in Viana to have lunch (where Nicole and I had this wonderful dinner) and I had this wonderful lunch once again. Several of our friends also stopped by and it became a very special meal. A lunch filled with emotional and spiritual connections.
With our friend Jean-Louis we talked about the three kinds of Love: Eros, Philos and Agape.
I was overwhelmed with the love of friends and mankind during this meal. Earlier this day we walked near a river where once again it was overflowing...Just as my heart was overflowing with love of the simplicity of friendship. Friendship is so important to value, we must not waist a moment gathering and sharing the love from those closest to us. I was so full of love that it carried my feet all day. Thank you my dear friends here and at home.
We stayed in the church in Logrono because the Albergue was full. Another wonderful evening. The Priest and a volunteer (Angel) created an atmosphere of generosity and love and laughter. Some of the pilgrim´s cooked the food that was gathered amongst them and then we ate at a long wooden table with good food, wine and more friendship. Before the meal there was a Chinese male who was cutting a man´s hair and asked if I wanted mine cut, oh no, thank you I said. He said I think, Just a little; no, no thank you and we laugh.
After dinner it became apparent that no one knew why this chinese man was at the albergue. The unfolding was hilarious. He spoke Chinese, the Spanish, germans, english, french were all trying to understand...no one could figure out who he was. We thought he was a volunteer, no. He wasn´t a Pilgrim...who was this masked hair stylist? This went on for more than an hour when the Priest finally pointed a finger for the Chinese man to follow him. I saw this while helping with dishes in the kitchen. I felt like I was in 3-5th grades in Catholic school when a nun or priest would point a finger to have someone follow them. I couldn´t stop laughing. It ended with The Chinese man being able to spend one night here and then he had to leave. I didn´t see him again.
Day 9 / Ventosa
Yvonne & I took a different road today that called to me. Not surprisingly, I found a jewel. A new albergue opened 2 months ago run by Enrique and Jutte. This will definitely be in my travels each time I come. Thank you Enrique and Jutte and all the pilgrims.
Day 10/ June 5, 2008 / Canas
Today we ventured far off the beaten path...the route of the monasteries. We stayed at the Cistercian abbey of Santa Maria founded in 1170. Sadly, most of the nuns who occupied this abbey have died and we encountered Mary Carmen and Padre Felix who so graciously let us sleep in a small tiled room...no beds...it was interesting, he didn´t want us to leave this little room for fear of someone seeing us since it felt we shouldn´t be there. We entered this room at 7:30 pm, daylight until nearly 10 pm and didn´t leave until he thought we had left this morning at 7 am when he opened our wooden door. He was such a sweetheart. We found time to do some long needed journaling and contemplating. Who had walked on these floors? What words had been spoken? Apparently Saint Francis of Assisi stayed here while journeying to Santiago. We felt honored to be here. Thank Padre and Mary Carmen.
On Days 9 & 10 we walked among rolling hills of grape vineyards. It made me think of Seasons of Change...Spring brings new growth. The stalk of the vine has a sturdy base, making me think of families needing sturdy bases. It´s never too late to form the base if it was not given in the first place. I thank our children for giving their children the strong bases for them to grow into loving and caring people, allowing them to stronly follow their own hearts and paths. I love each of you and my wonderful husband, Marc who gives everyone the base they need to continue their own paths. ILY My Sweet, Sweet Man.
Day 11/ June 11, 2008/ headed somewhere for another 15-20kms?
I leave you with these words:
To laugh is to risk appearing a fool
to weep is to risk being called sentimental
to reach out to another is to risk involvement
to expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self
to place your ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss
to love is to risk not being loved in return
to live is to risk dying
to try is to risk failure
but risks must be taken
because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
the people who risk nothing may avoid suffering and sorrow,
but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow or really live.
chained by their servitude they are slaves who have forfeited all freedom.
only a person who risks is truly free.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Days 4, 5, 6 & 7
Day 4 (29 May 08)
Roncesvalles - Larasoanna
It has rained each day since starting in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France. With lots of mud, our days are slow and of course...mostly uphill, today our elevation is 2,296 feet. The mud was very wet, so it didn´t stack under our boots with each step.
We left Roncesvalles, Spain (first village in the Pyrenees crossing into Spain) about 8:30 am. We had breakfast in Burguet 3.2 km from Roncesvalles, cola cao (hot chocolate) & croissant. It rained hard all day, luckily we have good boots, rain gear and rain cover for our back pack. We are loving the rain even though it slows us down. We are always laughing!
About 2 pm we were in the village of Viskarret and ate a big lunch to have energy to keep walking. The rain gave us a break and we ate outside, laughing with all our new friends...from Germany, Switzerland, 2 boys Matt & Ian from Georgia, Brazil, Italy, Paris, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Korea, Chicago & Austria. Many, many people from Germany. All of us laughing as one by one we walked in to the village, clapping that we are seeing them once again. Yvonne & I yell (Wooooo Hooooo!) as they walk towards us and then lots of hugs and kisses.
After and hour we walked to LARASOANNA our destination for the night. The main Albergue was full so there was another building for overflow. We were upstairs with most of our friends. After settling in we did our household chores: wash clothes, hang them, showers and then eat. The showering was interesting...It was like a small metal construction office with 4 shower stalls, one very long pole for shower curtains and a thin metal wall between each section. When I walked in I thought I was in the men´s section when a young guy was standing there buck naked. I saw, and said, oops, I must be in the wrong area...I hear, ¨No, you´re not¨. I laughed, okay. This tiny stall was so small I couldn´t move, let alone take off my clothes. Yvonne was standing just outside holding my thin plastic shower curtain closed because the open door was blowing the air in. We were both laughing and laughing...can you imagine that? Two showers away was our friend, Jean-Louise from Brazil...making gorilla sounds, while I am making my own gorilla sounds with the cold water...together we made beautiful gorilla sounds....ooooo, ooooo, ahhhh, ahhhhh, oooooo, oooooo...everyone was laughing. Then I had to get dressed, yes, again this was very funny.
Okay, now it is Yvonne´s turn...she decided to take a shower with her clothes on and wash them...very interesting sounds also, oh I am washing my vonder bra...rub a dub, I say to her. More laughing. At least she was creative.
Later, we had dinner with all our friends and there is where we became the Woooooo Hoooooo Women!!!!!
Day 5 ( 30 May 08) Larasoanna - Pamplona
Again the day was filled with hard rain and very cold night. We stayed in an Albergue that once was a church. It had all the ammenities of home, good private showers, washers, dryers: these could have been improved upon as each load had its troubles. Washers stopping in mid cycle, needing to be rinsed out by hand and then wringing out. The dryers cost about 6 euros because the time kept shutting off every few minutes.
We had a very good nights sleep.
People are now waiting for the computer so I must be quick, there is only one computer.
Day 6 (31 May 08) Pamplona to Obanos
It rained hard all day, more mud but it did not hamper out spirits in any way. Yvonne & I had plenty to laugh about along the way.
We stopped at Eunate...A Romanesque Church built in the 12th Centuary. The Legend says Pilgrims are buried there. It is a circular church. Before going into the church you must remove your boots and then start walking around 3 times inside the church while looking at the floor. Then you turn the opposite way and walk another 3 turns while looking at the walls. Go the opposite direction again 3 times while looking at the ceiling. All of this is supposed to give you great energy to continue walking the Camino.
Raining hard, we continued to Obanos. We tried to walk further to Puenta La Reina but had to stop because we were too tired and way too giddy! There were five of us, three women and two men singing in the rain! Of course, Laughing.
I believe everything happens for a reason. Because we chose to go 5 km out of our way, we stayed in a different place. But the magic was that the next morning we arrived in Puenta la Reina to have breakfast, staying about two hours.
While sitting there, I could see people gathering outside in the rain, singing? I had to go see what was happening. There were men and women singing in spanish, but I couldn´t understand but I joined in anyhow. Swaying this way and that, and humming to their wonderful instruments.
We said good-bye to some friends then Yvonne & I continued on. Their were about 10- 12 groups of people singing, about 20-30 people in each group and they were taking turns walking around Puenta La Reina. I was overwhelmed. It turned out this was a ceremony for the Pilgrim´s which happened once a year but in different villages around the Navarra region.
People held my hands, smiled and lots of hugs and kisses...and Buen Camino´s (Well Wishes). Soon, many pilgrims joined in all the celebration.
After leaving Puenta La Reina it was raining so hard the river was overflowing in many places. My Heart felt as full as the River.
We had much rain yesterday and much more mud. I had an interesting moment or 5 minutes...I took a step then another and found I could not remove either foot...They were suctioned down tight. When I tried moving either foot, I lost my balance and fell on my right side splashing into the thick, rich mud! Okay, guess what I was doing...LAUGHING, LAUGHING! I must have laughed for miles. It really was funny and you didn´t have to be there. Somewhere I found some muddy water and washed off as best I could. We now reached Estella.
Day 7 (1 June 08) Estella
We reached Estella about 6:30, very late and didn´t have much time to do our chores. Luckily there was a good washer and dryer so we had clean clothes for today. It was too late to finish drying out clothes so they were left to the gods to dry for the morning.
We had three young spanish men invite Yvonne & I for spaghetti...we joined them and cleaned all the dishes in return. Another wonderful night.
Day 8 (2 June 08) We are now in Los Arcos. Our laundry is finished as we arrived in good time today, by 2:30 in the afternoon. We´ve had time to eat, write and visit with many friends. We had another wonderful day trekking through Spain´s country side.
Tomorrow we are going to Logrono. Good Night to All...I Love Everyone of you...Special hugs and Kisses to my Sweet. Sweet Man, Marc ILY.
Day 5 (31 May 08)
Pamplona to Obanose - What a wonderful Albergue we stayed at last night in Pamplona, all the ammenities of home...good private
Roncesvalles - Larasoanna
It has rained each day since starting in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France. With lots of mud, our days are slow and of course...mostly uphill, today our elevation is 2,296 feet. The mud was very wet, so it didn´t stack under our boots with each step.
We left Roncesvalles, Spain (first village in the Pyrenees crossing into Spain) about 8:30 am. We had breakfast in Burguet 3.2 km from Roncesvalles, cola cao (hot chocolate) & croissant. It rained hard all day, luckily we have good boots, rain gear and rain cover for our back pack. We are loving the rain even though it slows us down. We are always laughing!
About 2 pm we were in the village of Viskarret and ate a big lunch to have energy to keep walking. The rain gave us a break and we ate outside, laughing with all our new friends...from Germany, Switzerland, 2 boys Matt & Ian from Georgia, Brazil, Italy, Paris, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Korea, Chicago & Austria. Many, many people from Germany. All of us laughing as one by one we walked in to the village, clapping that we are seeing them once again. Yvonne & I yell (Wooooo Hooooo!) as they walk towards us and then lots of hugs and kisses.
After and hour we walked to LARASOANNA our destination for the night. The main Albergue was full so there was another building for overflow. We were upstairs with most of our friends. After settling in we did our household chores: wash clothes, hang them, showers and then eat. The showering was interesting...It was like a small metal construction office with 4 shower stalls, one very long pole for shower curtains and a thin metal wall between each section. When I walked in I thought I was in the men´s section when a young guy was standing there buck naked. I saw, and said, oops, I must be in the wrong area...I hear, ¨No, you´re not¨. I laughed, okay. This tiny stall was so small I couldn´t move, let alone take off my clothes. Yvonne was standing just outside holding my thin plastic shower curtain closed because the open door was blowing the air in. We were both laughing and laughing...can you imagine that? Two showers away was our friend, Jean-Louise from Brazil...making gorilla sounds, while I am making my own gorilla sounds with the cold water...together we made beautiful gorilla sounds....ooooo, ooooo, ahhhh, ahhhhh, oooooo, oooooo...everyone was laughing. Then I had to get dressed, yes, again this was very funny.
Okay, now it is Yvonne´s turn...she decided to take a shower with her clothes on and wash them...very interesting sounds also, oh I am washing my vonder bra...rub a dub, I say to her. More laughing. At least she was creative.
Later, we had dinner with all our friends and there is where we became the Woooooo Hoooooo Women!!!!!
Day 5 ( 30 May 08) Larasoanna - Pamplona
Again the day was filled with hard rain and very cold night. We stayed in an Albergue that once was a church. It had all the ammenities of home, good private showers, washers, dryers: these could have been improved upon as each load had its troubles. Washers stopping in mid cycle, needing to be rinsed out by hand and then wringing out. The dryers cost about 6 euros because the time kept shutting off every few minutes.
We had a very good nights sleep.
People are now waiting for the computer so I must be quick, there is only one computer.
Day 6 (31 May 08) Pamplona to Obanos
It rained hard all day, more mud but it did not hamper out spirits in any way. Yvonne & I had plenty to laugh about along the way.
We stopped at Eunate...A Romanesque Church built in the 12th Centuary. The Legend says Pilgrims are buried there. It is a circular church. Before going into the church you must remove your boots and then start walking around 3 times inside the church while looking at the floor. Then you turn the opposite way and walk another 3 turns while looking at the walls. Go the opposite direction again 3 times while looking at the ceiling. All of this is supposed to give you great energy to continue walking the Camino.
Raining hard, we continued to Obanos. We tried to walk further to Puenta La Reina but had to stop because we were too tired and way too giddy! There were five of us, three women and two men singing in the rain! Of course, Laughing.
I believe everything happens for a reason. Because we chose to go 5 km out of our way, we stayed in a different place. But the magic was that the next morning we arrived in Puenta la Reina to have breakfast, staying about two hours.
While sitting there, I could see people gathering outside in the rain, singing? I had to go see what was happening. There were men and women singing in spanish, but I couldn´t understand but I joined in anyhow. Swaying this way and that, and humming to their wonderful instruments.
We said good-bye to some friends then Yvonne & I continued on. Their were about 10- 12 groups of people singing, about 20-30 people in each group and they were taking turns walking around Puenta La Reina. I was overwhelmed. It turned out this was a ceremony for the Pilgrim´s which happened once a year but in different villages around the Navarra region.
People held my hands, smiled and lots of hugs and kisses...and Buen Camino´s (Well Wishes). Soon, many pilgrims joined in all the celebration.
After leaving Puenta La Reina it was raining so hard the river was overflowing in many places. My Heart felt as full as the River.
We had much rain yesterday and much more mud. I had an interesting moment or 5 minutes...I took a step then another and found I could not remove either foot...They were suctioned down tight. When I tried moving either foot, I lost my balance and fell on my right side splashing into the thick, rich mud! Okay, guess what I was doing...LAUGHING, LAUGHING! I must have laughed for miles. It really was funny and you didn´t have to be there. Somewhere I found some muddy water and washed off as best I could. We now reached Estella.
Day 7 (1 June 08) Estella
We reached Estella about 6:30, very late and didn´t have much time to do our chores. Luckily there was a good washer and dryer so we had clean clothes for today. It was too late to finish drying out clothes so they were left to the gods to dry for the morning.
We had three young spanish men invite Yvonne & I for spaghetti...we joined them and cleaned all the dishes in return. Another wonderful night.
Day 8 (2 June 08) We are now in Los Arcos. Our laundry is finished as we arrived in good time today, by 2:30 in the afternoon. We´ve had time to eat, write and visit with many friends. We had another wonderful day trekking through Spain´s country side.
Tomorrow we are going to Logrono. Good Night to All...I Love Everyone of you...Special hugs and Kisses to my Sweet. Sweet Man, Marc ILY.
Day 5 (31 May 08)
Pamplona to Obanose - What a wonderful Albergue we stayed at last night in Pamplona, all the ammenities of home...good private
Friday, May 30, 2008
4th Day...Pamplona
Hello from Pamplona! We are doing well...in the rain...in the mud...in the cold night temps, we are doing well. Our friends in Anglet, France said we look like clones, orange packs, same colors of pants, rain gear, blonde hair, laugh alot, hustling our strides across the mountains of Spain.
We´ve met people from Autria, Germany, Canada, France, Mexico, Japan, Korea, the Pyrennes, Scotland, Ireland, Slovenia, Italy, and two boys from Georgia (Matt & Ian). We´ve withstood rain....mud....cold temperatures and lots of laughter. When people from around the world gather there is much love and caring. We love all our new friends. We are told we are legends already on the camino...everyone knows us by Woooo Hoooo! We have everyone saying it and laughing along as well.
After checking in at the albergue, getting our beds, chatting for just a bit about the days events, then moving on to hand washing our clothes, waiting for clothes to dry in the dryer...about 2 1/2 hours, then showering...left little time for wandering around Pamplona. We ate a wonderful dinner of ensalada mixta and a glass of red wine for me and white for yvonne. After dinner we found a little shop buying some goodies for traveling...nuts and chocolate...mmmmmmm!
We did see part of the route where the bulls run in Pamplona. Then headed back to our albergue to check email and do a simple blog. Bare with me...the blogs will get better. Love to All, AriZona
We´ve met people from Autria, Germany, Canada, France, Mexico, Japan, Korea, the Pyrennes, Scotland, Ireland, Slovenia, Italy, and two boys from Georgia (Matt & Ian). We´ve withstood rain....mud....cold temperatures and lots of laughter. When people from around the world gather there is much love and caring. We love all our new friends. We are told we are legends already on the camino...everyone knows us by Woooo Hoooo! We have everyone saying it and laughing along as well.
After checking in at the albergue, getting our beds, chatting for just a bit about the days events, then moving on to hand washing our clothes, waiting for clothes to dry in the dryer...about 2 1/2 hours, then showering...left little time for wandering around Pamplona. We ate a wonderful dinner of ensalada mixta and a glass of red wine for me and white for yvonne. After dinner we found a little shop buying some goodies for traveling...nuts and chocolate...mmmmmmm!
We did see part of the route where the bulls run in Pamplona. Then headed back to our albergue to check email and do a simple blog. Bare with me...the blogs will get better. Love to All, AriZona
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
2nd Day...Roncevalles, Spain
Hello Everyone! Wow, already another great journey! Upon leaving Phoenix we flew to Atlanta then to London. We stayed at Hilton Hotel for a good nights rest before leaving for Biarritz, France to meet my dear friends, Francoise & Jean-Marc. They picked us up at the airport and whisked us off to their very french home. Of course they take us to visit Biarritz, Bayonne and Anglet where they live. Afterwards, down to the beach to have dinner...I had curried mussles and frita potatos. Yes Nicole (I said Hello´ for you), the same place we had dinner in June & July of 2007. I LOVED the curried mussels, and then...Sangria, 2 glasses! yes, I was able to stand up and then with dignity walk towards the beach to listen to the ocean waves with a breath taking sunset...and, rain.
On Tuesday (27 May 2008) Francoise & Jean-Marc drove us to St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France to get our Camino´(Pilgrim) Passport, to my favorite church which I didn´t write down the name and then to lunch. We laughed while eating and drinking wine, then cried when it came to say, Audo (sp?). After many hugs and pictures we had to say, Audo¨once again. This time they walked us a little ways making sure we traveled the right road to the Orisson Private Refuge which we needed to hike to before 6:30 pm (it was 2:55). It was raining but still we forged on. This time, we had a view from the Pyrenees Mtns. to all the villages below, including St-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The climb became higher and straighter. We talked how much we´ll miss Francoise & Jean-Marc and how incredible our view was.
We made it to Orisson at 6:10pm (not without burning thighs and buttocks), rushing to put our things on our beds and then back down to dinner. We had soup, bread and beans, wine, creme brolle. After we made new friends and told stories, then to do our nightly chores of showering and cleaning our clothes.
Today we walked to Roncevalles, Spain...in the Pyrenees Mtns. It rained most of the way, I think we hiked 19km up and then down the other side through beachwood forests. I slipped on diagonal, slippery, muddy rocks and then of course laughed. What a hoot.
I must run, dinner is in 2 min, then to mass. I´ll write more when I can.
I Love everyone and am so Blessed to be here once again. AriZona
Yvonne is loving our journey so far. She has told everyone at home that she should bring depends because I make her laugh so hard! I am not losing face, we laugh around every corner.
We started
On Tuesday (27 May 2008) Francoise & Jean-Marc drove us to St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France to get our Camino´(Pilgrim) Passport, to my favorite church which I didn´t write down the name and then to lunch. We laughed while eating and drinking wine, then cried when it came to say, Audo (sp?). After many hugs and pictures we had to say, Audo¨once again. This time they walked us a little ways making sure we traveled the right road to the Orisson Private Refuge which we needed to hike to before 6:30 pm (it was 2:55). It was raining but still we forged on. This time, we had a view from the Pyrenees Mtns. to all the villages below, including St-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The climb became higher and straighter. We talked how much we´ll miss Francoise & Jean-Marc and how incredible our view was.
We made it to Orisson at 6:10pm (not without burning thighs and buttocks), rushing to put our things on our beds and then back down to dinner. We had soup, bread and beans, wine, creme brolle. After we made new friends and told stories, then to do our nightly chores of showering and cleaning our clothes.
Today we walked to Roncevalles, Spain...in the Pyrenees Mtns. It rained most of the way, I think we hiked 19km up and then down the other side through beachwood forests. I slipped on diagonal, slippery, muddy rocks and then of course laughed. What a hoot.
I must run, dinner is in 2 min, then to mass. I´ll write more when I can.
I Love everyone and am so Blessed to be here once again. AriZona
Yvonne is loving our journey so far. She has told everyone at home that she should bring depends because I make her laugh so hard! I am not losing face, we laugh around every corner.
We started
Friday, May 23, 2008
Spiritual Expedition
A day in the life of a Pilgrim...trekking the Camino; making friends around the globe; viewing historical architecture on a daily basis; walking through hundred year old villages, where time has stood still; farm lands, crops being harvested by every member of a family; living in refugios/albergues; trekking towards Santiago, Spain with only a backpack and sheer will to finish the Camino de Santiago. This will be a “Spiritual Expedition” of the heart and soul, taking you where there is no road map.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Camino 2008
Our Journey once again across Santiago de Compostela begins May 24, 2008 when Yvonne & I leave Phoenix. We will start trekking across the Pyrenees Mountains in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France on May 27th. Travel along with us as our story unfolds.
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