My appologies for not writing sooner. So much has happened since my last entry. I have now walked 164 km am in the town of Logrono to watch the game between Spain and Germany.

Day 1 St Jean Pied de Port - Roncesvalles
25.5 km

My first day was absolutely spectacular as I made my way through the Pyrenees which was absolutely spectacular. My hiking boots then were brutal. My the end of the third day I had five blisters on my feet and swore to buy some sandals that I could walk and send some stuff home.


Day 2 Rocesvalles- Larrasoana
26.5 km
The trail is easier today. I am surrounded by mostly Germans, a lot of Dutch people riding bikes. Along the trail are memorials of people who have died along the way over the years.




Day 3 Larrasoana - Pamplona
16.5 km

An easy day. The sheep that surrounded us before are slowly disappearing and instead the landscape of Nevarra is turning into Vineyard

Day 4 Pamplona
We took a day to relax. I bought new sandals for walking and sent about 5 kilos of stuff to myself in Leon.

I found out that the stuff I sent to Santiago will be thrown out in 20 days. Watched a football game with German amigos and a Turkish born German.... was so excited to eat pork at the beginning. Tapas is so fatty here that I got really sick. I avow only to eat fish from now on

Day 5 Pamplona- Puenta la Reina
27.5km
I love my new shoes. Im a new person now that I have a lighter back pack. I am severely sunburned.
Day 6
Puenta la Reina - Villa major
32 km
Snoring people... nice village... froze to death

Day 7 Villamayor de Monjardin - Torres del Rio
20 km
My travel buddies are sore. Taking it slow.

Day 8 Torres del Rio - Logrono
21km
Eating lots of chocolate... feeling good. Germany battles Spain tonight for the EU cup... will wear red so I dont get the snot kicked out of me alongside my German friends.

The last couple of days have been a world-wind of planes, trains and walks. I landed in Madrid two days ago and took the long way to the north eastern town of Vitoria.

My train ride took a total of 5 hours. It was absolutely breathtaking. Living in the desert, my mind seemed to have forgotten all the different shades of green that exist. I couldn't stop staring out the window in wonder. Poppies fill many of the fields. The other thing that is blowing my mind is how far away I can see. There is nothing like sand to obscure your view.

I was surprised to discover that my Spanish is understandable in Spain and I've forgotten how much I fit in in Europe. I'm trying to dumb down my overt central american/mexican accent and adapt the funky Castalleno "s".

It sounds so sexy.

Vitoria was lovely, I had a nice long bath, bought a Spanish SIM card... (if you want to phone me, send me an email)

The next day was another trek of little put-put trains and some walking until I made it over the Pyrenees and into France. I travelled from 9am-4:30 pm.

My guide book didnt seem to have things spelled out so clearly but the Journey went something like this:

Vitoria- Irun- walk 500 m - Irun - Hendaye (France) - Hendaye - Bayonne - walk around and bought a charger for my cell phone- Bayonne - St Jean Pied de Port.

The Pilgrim hostel is full of people from many different Europeans and a few Americans. The cockle shell (the sign of St James) lines the streets and the locals here are very friendly and familiar with the pilgrims.

Some have travelled by bike. My current companions in town are cyclists from Belgium, a Spaniard beginning her walk and a French guy. The guy sitting next to me as I type this started in Belgium and has been walking for 3 months!!

Last night I awoke in the hostel at about 4 am to come to the realization that I was freezing. My body isn't use to the rapid change of temperature here.

I plan to stay in St Jean Pied de Port for one more night as tonight is the Noche de San Juan. Sounds of people practicing Basque music are beginning to eminate from houses here and there. The looming 776km that await me seem almost impossible particularly with the weight of my backpack.

I sent several items on to Santiago today to pick up at the end of the Journey... tonight is a party... i will begin my walk through the Pyrenes tomorrow at 7 am.

WORK IS DONE!!!

I have exactly 12 hours before I take off on my flight. I've finished packing and have managed to get myself down to a bare minimum of 11kg (24 lbs)


Fleece pants, Booties, 2 pairs of Umbros, 2 paris of socks, 2 running shirts, pjs, 2 pairs underwear, rain pants, rain jacket, 2 walking sticks, 2 L camelback, Vitamins, Toiletries, Camera and batterie, silk sleeping bag liner, map, pilgrim passport, hiking boots, phone, shower slippers, blister kit, duct tape, swiss army knife, head lamp, camino book, japanese neck massager, back pack safety chain... and the chain that my student/teachers gave to me as a thank-you yesterday.

... and one camino badge to look legit on the trail:)

I don't think I've ever done a long hike with so little (keeping in mind that my camelback is empty and that I'm not carrying any food on me at the moment). But then again, I don't think I've ever done such a long hike. From start to finish the hike is over 700 km. With a little luck, I'll be done in 30 days or so...

I am bringing a few extra things along which I will send to myself at santiago de compostela.

... First stop... Madrid:)

After spending several months dreaming about it, my plans to begin walking el Camino de Santiago de Compostela are almost here. My bag has been packed, unpacked, minimized, and repacked umpteen times.

I have one last trek out to the western zone to finish a final two lessons before I hop onto a plane. As light reading between now and then, I'm reading Paulo Coelho's "The Journey". I have to say though, that although this book is on topic, the beginning chapter is enough to turn me off of it altogether.

I will miss my gang here, but after spending just over a year in the desert, I am really really really ready to see something green.