September 10 - 11
Now safely in Madrid, my first order of business was to rendezvous with my Camino partner Bill Casazza. Bill, for those who don't know him, is a dear friend and former nemesis of sorts. As lawyers, we both served as General Counsel for competing companies - Bill for Aetna in one corner and Carol for CIGNA in the other. More on point, Bill is an experienced hiker with Everest base camp and Kilimanjaro on his resume along with a good sense of direction (which I totally lack). More to come on the newly formed Camino team . . .
Our first stop is Pamplona where we will stay for a day to shed any jet lag. The city known for the "running of the bulls" is absolutely charming and brimming with people of all kinds.
Our Hotel Eslava, while neat and adequate, is a transition to the more austere accommodations we will experience during the next 40 days, and we are told this one is a three star! To my high school friends from Presentation of Mary Academy - does this not bring back visions of Sister Arille's room?
To offset our meager accommodations, we indulged in a nine-course meal with wine at the Michelin one-star Europa Restaurante. The high point was attending "the Rosary" at the Plaza Cathedral, which was my first successful negotiation with Bill.
See you in St. Jean for the real start.
~ Buen Camino, Carol ~
Carol Ann...I walked 6 miles today on the golf course...does that count? Can't wait for you to begin your trek...so sad I didn't sign up for a few days with You. Carry on and keep the blogs coming. Terrific to keep up with you!
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Sweetheart
ReplyDeleteI am in admiration of your big undertaking and want you to enjoy each day to the fullest and return home safely.
Love you
Your Hubby
Carol, I am enjoying this blog idea. The more photos the better for me. I like to see photos of signs that show the names of places, people along the way, animals, and food. The photo of your hotel is great. It does look like a nun's room. The hotel we stay at in Panama is owned by people from Spain. It is very spartan but sparkling clean. Have a blast and absorb it all. Big hugs.
ReplyDeleteGreat start. Looking forward to hearing all about you're first day on the Camino, Buen Camino.
ReplyDeleteFrom start to finish, absolutely loved this post. Glad you were able to take a day to enjoy Pamplona and settle in for your journey, Floyd's comment is pretty special too.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful, so impressed! ❤️
ReplyDeleteYour hotel room is more colorful than what Sister Arille might sport. And, there would not be a bedside phone by any of the good Sisters' beds at Presentation of Mary. You are still in "luxury" - it's all relative, isn't it? Suzetta XXXOOO
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