Pamplona ~ not just another town in Spain

I've been trying to think how to describe this pilgrimage walk that Joel is experiencing. Because I'm not actually walking with him, I'll do my best to describe his adventure from the few emails he's been able to send and the couple of phone calls he's managed.

The first few days his walk was joined by a group of young people,  mostly gals and a couple guys. Joel says he's more then 30 - 40 years older then them.  He's very impressed at the caliber of them and their zest for life.  In one of their conversations he was telling them about his favorite singer, Janis Joplin and the song, A Piece of My Heart and 3 of them started to sing it.

Last night they stayed at Abregue Mary & Joseph inside the old walled city.  Abreque is what the call their hostels. He said the walls are a good 50 ft tall. Yesterday was a major Fiesta day so the streets were packed. He had a wonderful paella last night with Sangria. He wants to take me to visit this city together.  It must be a bit romantic & magical.

Joel has said each and every communication that this is an experience of a lifetime.  Hes not suffering from any blisters at this point, only some muscle cramping in his right quad coming down on a long path.  He did get someone to massage that out for him.  He wanted me to be sure and let you all know he's doing well. He thinks that yesterday will be his last day with international group of young friends. He will meet new Pilgrims today.

When Joel sent this picture along the way, he said this is a college in Gacilia.
Buen Camino Joel!