an experiment in spain - day 6: pamplona the fortress
Today is my last day in Pamplona, I took a bus to San Sebastián in the afternoon.
Before leaving, I wanted to walk at least a little of the Camino de Santiago, especially since the path is literally just outside the hotel I stayed in. I walked north to the Portal of Zumalacarregui or Portal de Francia o de Zumalacárregui and found some really neat old city walls. It looks like Pamplona was quite the fortress once upon a time.
Walking through the Camino in Casco Viejo (Old Town)
The Portal de Francia
Just through the Portal de Francis
The Camino continues!
I asked Daniele who works at the hotel if this was a moat once upon a time, he said no. He said they used to pour hot oil down the side to deter trespassers. Eeks.
Another gate, with a drawbridge!
Parapets were all along the highest wall
Walking back to the hotel, I glimpsed the Catedral de Santa María la Real de Pamplona
To San Sebastián
It was a beautiful bus ride from Pamplona to San Sebastián. I had a western-facing window seat and hardly looked away.
hello san sebastián
One of my PhD advisors, Peter, and his wife, Mandy were on the same bus as me. Mandy and I met up a bit later at La Viña to try Basque cheesecake -- which is baked! Mandy really liked it. As someone who does not particularly enjoy cheesecake, I could tell it was different, and it seemed to be very high quality, but I still do not enjoy cheesecake. It's fine.
And buenas noches
