Tuesday, September 25, 2012

I Can Do This


 Today I rode train 4 hours to Pamplona, where I found my first Albergue.

Andrea did not tell me there are coed bathrooms. A guy next to my bed is from France, and two beds the other way is from Seattle! This is nuts to be doing it alone but EVERYONE says it is the best way to do this.

I met Hans, from Holland - I guessed where he was from on my first try. He introduced me to his friend, and I went to get something to eat with them. They treated since it is their last day on the Camino. I had fresh baby eels on a toast,

 with deep fried zuchini sliced under the eels. Delicious ...I also had a cider drink that tasted like lemons and apple. One of the guys gave me his walking stick for my trip and his friend carved, well whittled, a hole in the top for me to put string in. I told them I will find a wild Spanish horse and tear out some tail hairs for my tie.


I cannot seem to post pictures here from my phone or ipad - so I am sunk on the respect.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a difficult climb up and down a mountain and a long day. I am a little scared - actually very freaked out.

Pamplona is charming to all end - I am skipping my shower until I get more comfortable with the coed bathroom. Thankfully the stall are private.

I will TRY to post when I get internet but not sure if I will.

5 comments:

Jones' Journalistic Journey said...

JoAnn ~ You are a Stud Muffin and you are not alone! We are all standing with and praying for you- My friend, Ella, (from Bellingham) who is doing the same trek you are, is about two weeks ahead of you. She is a tall gray haired woman with a sweet sweet spirit! Also a retired massage therapist. Someone gave her a new mantra for her travels in Spain ~ May the miles melt beneath your feet!! I pray that for you too and that you find and make new friends and enjoy this time of reflection and drawing near to God. I don't have Ella's mobile # but her FB is Ella Young Markham - you can friend her and see her photos of where you are going/sleeping etc!!

God be with you - I am praying for you - heaps of love! You are in inspiration! and seriously, you have the best stories!!!!

Debbie J

Jones' Journalistic Journey said...

JoAnn ~ You are a Stud Muffin and you are not alone! We are all standing with and praying for you- My friend, Ella, (from Bellingham) who is doing the same trek you are, is about two weeks ahead of you. She is a tall gray haired woman with a sweet sweet spirit! Also a retired massage therapist. Someone gave her a new mantra for her travels in Spain ~ May the miles melt beneath your feet!! I pray that for you too and that you find and make new friends and enjoy this time of reflection and drawing near to God. I don't have Ella's mobile # but her FB is Ella Young Markham - you can friend her and see her photos of where you are going/sleeping etc!!

God be with you - I am praying for you - heaps of love! You are in inspiration! and seriously, you have the best stories!!!!

Debbie J

Jeremiah said...

I just read "The Sun also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway, so Pamplona is fresh on my mind. Sounds like you are fitting right in, and getting reacquainted with European hospitality. I liked hearing all the details you shared.

Anonymous said...

The adventure has begun! Sending hugs and prayers daily.
Kristy

june said...

Susie and I think you're a rock star! Have you seen any of the riots we're hearing about on the news? JoAnn, take care! All is well here - love you!