Los Arcos

11/7

We started walking towards Villajara, and we've reached Estella after doing 9 km in just over 3 hours. Limor stated filling pain in her chest, so we went to the hospital for her to get checked. After some tests and X-rays, the doctor said she´s OK, but she shouldn't lift heavy weights (like her bag) any more. So we took a nice hotel and rested for the day.

12/7

Woke up at 5 so Limor could take the first bus to Pamplona. She'll go to Barcelona for a few days and then back to Israel. It was sad saying goodbye, but I'm sure she'll have a great time in Barcelona. I'm so proud of her holding up so far.

After the bus left, I've started walking. Just out of Estella is a fountain called Bodegas Irache. The weird thing about it, is that instead of water, it pours wine!

The wine fountain in Bodegas Irache

Not good wine, though.

I saw Ian there. His girlfriend Tesa went to teach English, so he´s alone too.

I'm at Los Arcos now, at a really nice albergus. Has a nice "ZOLA".

Met a nice family from the US (parents and one girl)

I've walked fast now that I´m alone. 21 km in 5.5 hours

There's a saying on one of the walls:

"It's not the length of the journey

It's the speed that will kill you"

So, I'm trying not to walk too much, now that I'm alone.

Just a bit more about the bulls.

It's like a national sport here. Bigger than football!

All the day they keep on showing the bull-run over and over again, especially the parts where people get injured (and they do...). And the hole thing is just 5 minuets!

And at night, people fill up pubs and watch the bull fighters on TV. And cheer!

This whole thing is really strange, like a modern gladiator war.

Limor, I love you very much.

I'm so proud of you.

Buen Camino!

P.s.

It got cold and started raining these past two days, but only when I´m done walking.

How convenient :)

San Fermin

6/7

We had a day descending from Roncesvals to Zubiri. Limor's backpack's back system broke above the left shoulder. It was hard for her and we arrived to the Albegues late. Since there was only one bed left, we took a room in a pension nearby. It was not expensive at all.

We've met two American guys, one I think was in the marines or something, whom walked from Orisson (near St. Jean) to Zubiri in one day! (42 km)

7/7

We started late because our laundry was still wet and we suffered from bad cranks.

Limor almost went back home, but decided to give it a second chance. We've arrived to Arre just near to Pamplona.

8/7

We spent most of the day in Pamplona, Watching the festival. I've missed the bull run, but I might go tomorrow with a guy from Mexico. The festival was very nice, lots of drunk people, and everybody is dressed in white with red bandannas and scarfs. After enjoying the fiesta, we walked just outside of Pamplona to Cizur Minor. We've met a nice Mexican guy named Dago. He's very useful since he speaks good Spanish and English.

9/7

I went with Dago early in the morning to Pamplona by bus to see the bull run. I managed to find a place right at the front of the second barrier (as close as you can get without actually running or being an organizer). It was very short, but very exciting. I took a video of the run, but It´s hard to see the bulls 'cause they're surrounded by people. But if you look closely in slow motion, you´ll find them.

I caught up with Limor and we walked a decent 22 km to Puente la Riena, cooked dinner with Dago and met another Israeli couple on the road, Orna and Noam.

10/7

It´s a really hot day. Walked only 13 km. Hope will start earlier tomorrow and walk more.