April 23, 2023

The 23rd has been my second day in Pamplona.  I have a routine of taking my ibuprofen, resting my knee and using ice on it.  Ice is a little more precious in Spain than in the states, but the hotel sends a bucket with huge cubes that last a considerable time.  From the back seat of my taxi, riding down hill I picked a great hotel to recuperate in.  The Gran La Perla was the favorite of Ernest Hemingway when he was in Pamplona, but I had no idea of that.

I started the day with breakfast at the hotel, I made a reservation for it when I checked in yesterday. It was downstairs in an area that was on the ground floor and looked out onto a small street along side the hotel. I wasn't the only pilgrim staying there, I saw a father and son that I recognized from the train ride to St Jean. That day I could tell that they were from Canada by the flag patches sewn to their packs. I should have introduced myself, but I decided to work on my breakfast instead.

I went out for a walk around this part of the city. I found a pharmacy for some ibuprofen and the pharmacist fitted me for a knee brace that I could use when I start to walk again.

There is periodic activity out on the plaza outside my windows.  A band started playing while two 10’ characters danced and led the procession.  If you look in the bottom right hand corner you will see the dancing lady.

While this plaza is huge, I see kids outside playing soccer amongst all the activities and people.

The La Perla is the building in the center of the pictures behind the pergola.

While I am not above a food picture, I didn’t think room service would make the cut.  But last night I ordered a turkey sandwich from the menu.  I was expecting it to be something for the Americans to feel comfortable with.  Turned out to be one of the best turkey sandwiches ever.  Beautiful torpedo roll, generous aioli, grilled turkey and poblano peppers.  The English menu translation is a little rough.

Tomorrow I plan to take the knee out for a spin.