It is our final night in Pamplona and tomorrow we begin our pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. We are staying at Hotel Europa, which is just steps from the official trail. The Camino symbol of the scallop shell adorns the sidewalks and streets through the city and will lead us out and onto our journey.
I felt grateful to have a full day in Pamplona to enjoy the sights, foods, cathedrals and culture before embarking on the Camino. Today we walked the ancient rampart walls that surround the city, much like a fortress. In today’s world, the fortress walls and militaristic relics of the past have been morphed into beautiful city parks, walkways, gardens and art.
One of the main cathedrals in town is named after the Camino and the Lady of the Camino blesses parishioners and visitors. We attended mass at the beautiful church and thought that would be a great way to start our pilgrimage, honoring the millions of pilgrims who have walked before us and in respect of the cultural influence the Camino has on local residents.
Rick's Camino de Santiago 