One step at a time

“Ja. Das ist Gut”

June 6, 2014

We walked and walked and then walked some more, but we made it to Pamplona!
We wanted to stay at the Casa Paderborn Albergue for two reasons, it was inexpensive (6€) and it is ran by the German confraternity which meant it would be very clean and have no bed bugs.
Took some time trying to find the place. The directions say to go over the bridge, but we went over the wrong bridge several times. Ended up in a park and walked around and around. We saw the horse ranch, the miniature pony ranch, fantastic vegetable garden…but no albergue…until we crossed over yet another bridge and found it! We scored the last two beds ( mats on the floor for us) at 1:15 pm.

I must say that Abby had great time putting her high school and McDonald Spanish to use. She was asking for directions, held conversations with a variety of people. The older Spanish men are fascinated with Abby. The older Spanish women find me amusing. All are in awe that we are traveling together as mom and daughter.

The German hostess, upon seeing me struggling with my pack, quickly took it off and promptly weighed it. The let out a yelp. 13k! I have no idea how that happened. Mine had weighed 10kg at home. So, I was directed ( in a nice manner) to go up stairs and purge the pack and not go out until it was done. After of course having a shower and washing laundry.

Abby and I purged together. She is sending home her New Balance walking shoes. She prefers the Keens sandals. We are sending home our journals. This will become our journal. We purged ounces that accumulated to 5kg. We will donate it and also send home the rest. We weighed my pack again ( without water) 9 kg. The German hostesses rejoiced with me. Hugged me and kissed my forehead. Yes…instant gratification for pleasing someone.

Then the set about to fix my backpack, adjusting straps, pulling here, snapping there. Germans are very efficient. I know. I am one. However, I must say that the ones I have met out here are in most excellent shape and very punctual in most every manner.

We went up to the Plaza. Saw the HUGE bullfighting ring. Ate some dinner and came back to treat Abby’s feet. We bought Vaseline (5€ for a tube we would pay $1 for in the U.S.) which I proceeded to give Abby a foot massage. Other pilgrims watched the procedure with envy. See…going to cosmetology school did pay off.

We will stop at the post office which opens at 9 am and then walk about 5km to Cizur Menor. It will be hot today, about 85. We will be starting late. Our ankles are getting used to walking. Abby has a blister on her baby toe. We are in no rush. Have no race to run. Plus, if we get behind and feel rushed for time, we can take the bus!

Thank you for your support and thoughts and prayers. They are helping us along the way. It is all working out even though it isn’t working out the way we had planned…but see…it does all iron out in the end. Das ist gut.