We were able to get a bus into Pamplona. Dad was convinced that the bus would come, I was not so sure, especially since the street had plastic barricades up for a festival from the night before. The bus stop was past the barricades. As of 9am, the festival was still going! Lots of music and dancing in the hall. The bus was due at 10, so it came by at 10:20ish, and we got on. Spanish timing- they say to get to the stop 30 minutes early, and the driver may be 10 minutes early or 20 minutes late!
We came into Pamplona and went for our room. This one is in a newer area of the city, and it’s a bit far from the sights. No matter, we took a bus today. Got into Plaza del Castillo in the morning, and we ate breakfast and coffee at the Cafe Iruña. Pictures attached. We had a slice of torta, an omelette/tart with egg and potato and this one had ham and cheese in the middle. So delicious! The inside of the building is incredible with its wood moldings and details. Apparently the first bar to have electric lighting in the city. It was opened in 1888 and was a frequent haunt of Ernest Hemingway.
We walked over to the Hotel la Perla in the corner of the square, where Hemingway stayed. We looked in the windows, because it felt like we weren’t dressed for the lobby. Also, there was a man who drove up in an Aston Martin coupe right outside the door. Didn’t know you could do that!
After that, we went to the Museo de Navarre. Inside, it was free admission due to a huge renovation. The museum had several large Roman mosaics, some other items from the bronze and iron age, and some other things that were all in Spanish that I couldn’t translate! Also a room with a giant altarpiece and some artwork and organ from a local church. Now it has a cool modern art exhibit as well.
We headed to the big cathedral, which was a bit of a misadventure. We didn’t realize that it was so far from the Plaza, and with mom’s bad leg it was a fairly long walk. Then we decided to walk along the outside wall, which took even longer. Finally, we reached the cathedral entrance and, being Sunday, it was restricted for prayer. Oops. Got our stamps though. Pictures to follow.
Lunch was an entire plate of sausages for me, because I didn’t realize that it came without any sides. Mom had a basket of fried squid, and dad had a crispy chicken burger and fries. Awesome food, again.
