DAY EIGHT. VIANA

Day Eight and we've arrived in Viana, a medieval town just east of Lograno. Today is the beginning of a five day    festival for the feast day of St James (Santiago) on Wednesday.  Everyone dressed in white clothes with red scarfs. Fireworks, dancing and lots of dancing and drinking.  Tomorrow at 2 PM they will run the bulls down the.main street to the bullring and have a bullfight with a matoridor.  But we will be long gone by then.  Weather was perfect for walking our 7 miles today.  Last night we had dinner with a couple from Scotland, Louise from Ireland and a gentleman from South Keora.  Today our albergue is full of people from France. 
Tomorrow I begin walking solo .. slower .. and Jenn speeds up to get to Santiago almost a month before me.  I'll miss her but know that she'll really enjoy walking her normal pace.  I heard from the very first people that I met on my first Camino today and I'm sitting on my bunk surrounded by Jenn above me, a German boy across the way and a Frenchman to my right all taking afternoon naps.  I'm wrapped in my pea green sleep sack to keep the flys off of my legs. They don't use window screens in Europe much.  They fly in and out at will.  My sleep sack and backpack are both borrowed from the  friend that I met at the end of my first camimo... sweet Debbie from Maine mailed me all her gear so that Jenn could use mine.  I met Debbie because we had the same unusual backpacks in the airport on our way to Paris in 2015.  Thanks Debbie
Buen Camino my friends

DAY SEVEN SAMSOL

Day 7 and we are at Albergue Samsol tonight
Just before Torres de Rio.  Shorter day, only 12.15 miles .  Left at 7 am and arrived at 1 pm.  Saw tractors harvesting hay.  Some is rolled, some are rolled and wrapped.  Others are large rectangular bales and stacked about three stories high in the fields until needed or they rot and eventually collapse.  Weather was 12 degrees cooler today and many clouds. Fairly level walking but still a long day.  Never found a toilet except in the fields behind tall plants
...men are fortunate .
One more day of walking together and then we split up.  Jenn will finish nearly a month before me.  Dinner last night was with an Englishman originally from New Zeland.  He is in 40's, walking his 7th Camino.  He is also a special ed teacher.  We shared paella and I mostly listened while Bryce and Jenn shared teaching stories.  Nice evening
  Buen Camino

DAY SIX...VILLAMAYOR

It's Thursday evening and we are in Albergue Villamayor....west of Estella.  We walked 17 miles today and did 6 on the bus.  Jenn did another 3 miles walking up to the castle ruins on top of the mountain after we arrived.  I have developed a large blister on the side of heal.  We're both having rashes on our legs.  Combination of many factors. Today we saw and visited many  churches. We are definitely in wine country.  Passed the free wine facuet when we were on the bus. Missed opportunity but our feet and backs appreciated the ride!  The sun was brilliant and very hot today...88 degrees. Many stops at bars today to rest, use the toilets and visit with friends while we enjoy coffee or orange juice.  Off to dinner.

DAY FIVE .. PUENTA DE RAINA

Tonight we are in Puenta de Reina..
We walked over 16 miles today...but did arrive just before a furious rain storm with vicious wind.  Short lived but so glad we were safe inside.  Both very tired tonight but planning to do more miles tomorrow.  Today we climbed Mount Perdon and celebrated with our many new friends. Walked pass beautiful sunflower fields and saw our first vineyard.  Everybody in the room is already sleeping.  We enjoyed a beautiful old church with a rosary and mass followed by a special pilgrims blessing.  Tomorrow is another day.

DAY FOUR PAMPLOMA

Tues. JULY 17TH
long day ... we began at 7 am and walked 11 miles to Pamploma.  The hills were shorter, sometimes along the highway but mostly gravel paths.  We got lost in the outskirts of Pamplona, but after stopping at a pharmacy we were soon back on track and arrived at 2 pm.  We are in a religious albergue that can hold a couple of hundred pilgrims I think.  It's only 9 euro per bed and that includes a fresh sheet (linen...not paper) plus a pillow.  A real bargain on the camino.
Were making friends from around the world.  Jenn is out this evening with an  Irish girl and many of us are leaving tomorrow in the dark together.  Six of us went to the 7 PM mass tonight in a  church build in the 12th. Century.  Earlier this afternoon Jenn and I toured the Cathedral that is less than a block away. Dinner was homemade sheeps cheese and dried ham freshly sliced on yesterdays french bread.  We'd finished our choc bars during our walk today.
  Heading to bed soon.  Weather was very warm today, lots of sunburned pilgrims.   Buen Camino

DAY THREE .. LAROSSOMA

Hard to believe we are on our 3rd night already.  Left the albergue early this morning at 5:30 am... had headlamps and flashers for security.  Had planned a 17 mile walk.  The light rain started with in 10 minutes and continued on and off all day.  Fortunately we had wonderful rain ponchos that completely covered us...we were dry and warm.  But by the end of four miles..my back was giving me problems from the pack which is much too heavy!   After stopping for some breakfast, we caught the bus for the next eight  miles.  Got off and finished the last five miles with no problems.  The next few days are all going to be long miles so I'm  gonna lighten my pack plus a few pounds from Jenns so we can get conditioned for the rest of the trip.
Staying at a lovely albergue.that spoils you for what most of them offer.  And we're having a community dinner.  We already have met several of them the first two nights. And a  good portion of the pilgrims speak English. 
Hope you're enjoying our journey as much as we are.

SECOND DAY COMPLETED BIGGEST MOUNTAIN

Yesterday finally posted tonight in Roncevalles ..  which has wifi.
We had a loud and wet storm last night, but beautiful sunshine today for our 10 mile hike into
Roncevalles.  Lots of climbing and some very steep downhills.  But I didn't fall this time! 
There is a statue of Our Lady high atop on of the mountains today.  I place a rosary for my sister Betty who died two years ago, on her hand.
Exciting news when we arrived about France with winning the world cup. 
We are off to bed for starting before dawn tomorrow.

BEGINNING OUR CAMINO

Its July 14th and its Bastille Day in France.  We are sitting on an outdoor patio on the edge of forever in the French pyrenees mountains.  There is a large group of French people celebrating the National Holiday.  Singing national songs and drinking together.

I flew to Madrid from Paris Friday afternoon and waited eight hours for my daughter Jennifer to arrive.   She left California Thursday evening.  Eight hour layover in Gatwick airport in London gave her time to catch the train into London to see the outside of Buckingham Palace and several other notable famous places before going back for her plane to Madrid.  OOPS..
The flight was delayed. Her flight was over an hour late
Arrived at 22 minutes after midnight.  Sidenote: its thundering overhead.  Our bus to Pamploma that we'd reserved months ago was due at 1:15 am.  No refund.  She ended up getting a taxi to take her from terminal one to four where the bus was.  We made the bus with 5 minutes to spare.  Very exciting.  Bus arrived in Pamploma at 7 am.  Sleeping bodies all over dressed in white with red scarfs... sleeping on concrete floors,
No blankets, most wrapped in their girl friends arms after celebrating  the last days of "running of the bulls".... they say there were a million people there celebrating.  We walked for half an hour and hired a taxi for over an hours ride through the mountains  to France and the village of St Jaun PDP.   The beginning of the Camino Frances.  We walked for 4 hours up the mountains to Orisson, our first albergue on our journey.  We enjoyed a community dinner with 30 plus people from all over the world: south Korea, ItaLy, Austrilia, Canada,  America and French.  Tomorrow we continue to walk and will be in Spain  before our day is done.  Buen Camino

ON WAY TO MADRID

It's just after 9 am on July 13th...I'm at terminal 3 at CDG airport north of Paris waiting for my 1:30 flight to Madrid.  Jenn left LAX Last night and is on her way via Gatwick in London.  Yesterday with Mary in Paris was great.  We walked to the corner boulinge for coffee and croissants before exploring the neighborhood more and visiting the neighborhood church to light a candle and say a rosary for the lost suitcase.  Mary found a Tabac shop that has the New York Times newspaper.  No TV in the apartment so this will keep her up on the news.  The streets are full of excitement for this weekend. Its Bastile Day and they MAY win the world cup in Soccer on Sunday!
Good news when we called the airport about the suitcase, its arrived in Paris and will be delivered later in the evening.  Down side is that Mary will stay home instead of joining me for a trip to Maison-Lafayette to visit my friends for dinner and also leave my suitcase for the after the Camino trip when I meet Jim back in Paris.   Went out via metro and train.  So enjoyed the evening with Maeliss and Nicolas and their 3 children. And did I mention. My Facebook stopped working yesterday and Nicolas helped me fix it! Long day.. to bed about midnight.  But,  Mary's suitcase arrived safely and Jenn and I , God willing , will both be in Madrid before midnight.  The La Defence building all lite with French colors tonight.   Buen Camino

ARRIVED IN PARIS

My twin sister and I arrived in Paris France today together! We were scheduled to arrive on 2 different planes but her plane had problems and they switched her to my flight so we actually got to come to France together on a straight through flight on Air TahitiNut.  We were both on American airline Miles but had been scheduled on different flights. Mary's flight was scheduled to go to Chicago and then to CDG and I was going straight through from Los Angeles to CDG in Paris.   The big problem is Mary's Suitcase was alredy on the plane to Chicago and they didn't get it switch so she is  Still waiting for her suitcase to arrive. Her granddaughter who is scheduled to come from China has also been delayed because of the storms that they're having there. She is now scheduled to arrive on Saturday. We had a great day today ..
got out and did some walking on  familiar streets in the neighborhood and had a wonderful stroll up Rue Mouffetard reliving old memories.  Tomorrow we work on the missing suitcase .  It's great to be in Paris.

FLYING TO PARIS TOMORROW

I'm trying to learn how to post on  my blog from my cell phone. If this works out I'll be posting from the Camino starting sometime later this week. Bear with me it's a new learning process.  New phone....new rules!  I'm thrilled that I found so much out today as yesterday I wrote that I would not be posting!  Buen camino...

LEAVING IN A FEW DAYS FOR MY SECOND CAMINO IN SPAIN

Hello Friends and Family....

I'm off to Europe for a few months, mainly to walk the Camino Frances with my daughter in July and August. Then in September a few weeks with Jim in Paris and Scotland followed by October in England. 

I'm not taking a computer so will be doing everything on my cell phone.  Sorry....my blog will be entered after I return home.  Either I'm too old or it's just gotten too complicated to do on the small screen!   If I magically find a computer genius on the trail who will teach me how to do it; I'll start but that's no likely!    BUT, I will be posting daily on Facebook whenever possible with photos.

Buen Camino
Martha

AMSTERDAM FINAL TWO DAYS OF OUR JOURNEY

Tuesday,  May 22^nd, 2018      Our last day in Amsterdam       overcast and rain most of the day

Awake about 8 am…. Heard from sister Mary that the her bank had charged her $58.22 for her 200 euros in Azores.  I checked the computer for our fees and found that we’d been charged $71.58 for 200 euros in Azores.  When looking at the ATM charges in Amsterdam; much cheaper.

We left the apartment about 10 am with coats and umbrellas.  On Tram #4 we purchased an all-day ticket.  On the way to the Central Station I had the opportunity to chat with Americans and help them a bit on where to get off of the tram.  They’re on a Viking Cruise.  

Arrived just in time for the rain at the train station.  First stop was to purchase our train tickets for tomorrow morning’s trip to Schiphol Airport.  Supposedly a 15 minute trip for 5.30 euros each.  We hope to get to the airport by 9 am for our 12 noon flight. 

We located the place to pick up a bus; we’re able to use the same ticket as the tram but couldn’t see where they loaded.  It was on the other side of the train station.  We found a pass through in the   center of the station that was lined with shops but free to walk through to the other side.  While I purchased the tickets Jim had enjoyed sitting on his cane seat and listening to the tourists who stopped to play on the grand piano in the station that is open to anyone who is brave enough to play for the rest of us!    Soon we boarded bus # 48 and rode the short distance to Kadijksplein stop where the National Maritine Museum is located in the port.  Rain coming down steady by the time that we arrived.  Only had to walk a couple of blocks from the bus stop and fortunately there were no lines so we went directly into the Museum.  

This is a very large facility and has some fantastic exhibits.   It took us over two hours to visit those that we wanted to see.   The first thing we did was go to the replica of the Amsterdam, an 18^th century cargo ship of the Dutch East India Company that is moored in the harbor next to the museum.   We entered along with several groups of students on field trips, so it was a bit crowded but it was fun to see their enthusiasm. 

Our next visit which was also outside in a separate building was the Royal Barge that was built for William I between 1816-1818.  It was last used in 1962 for the silver wedding anniversary of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard.   In 1983 it was donated to the Museum and is a permanent part of their exhibits.  

A large section of the museum displays major art work of sailing ships by well-known artists.  Very impressive and Jim really loved this section.   Rooms filled with maps; some hundreds of years old.  Some that showed California separated from the continent.  Models of various types of boats and ships.  And a large model of the port of Amsterdam with interactive features about what happens in their port.

A very interesting room was all about the stars and navigation.  The walls were covered with a night sky and the various constellations were outlined.   Inside the room was filled with equipment used on ships to navigate.

By 2 pm we were on our way to the bus stop; went the wrong way first but finally found it … yes, in the rain.  While we waited under the small overhang at the “station” a group of about twenty preschoolers joined us with their six adult teachers/parents.  They were very excited and loved splashing in the water puddles!   Their enthusiasm definitely added an element of fun to our day!  

Arrived back at the Central Station where we decided to have a “tram trip” and hopped aboard Tram  # 24; one that we’d not ridden before.    It went all the way to Boelelaan and back; passing right by the 1928 Olympic Stadium.  Got to see the torch that is still there and it appears that the stadium is still in use.  By 3 pm we were back at the Central Station and decided to call it a day; we have to pack for our trip tomorrow.

So back on Tram # 4 and home to pack our things.  About 5 pm Jim walked a couple of blocks to pick up the lamb pieta bread sandwiches and we enjoyed them with the rest of our bottle of wine.   The suitcases are nearly packed and we’re going to enjoy reading our Kindle books tonight before bed.

Tomorrow will be a travel day; we leave from Amsterdam before 9 am and our flight is scheduled to leave at 12:30 pm.  We have a short layover in Iceland and then arrive in San Francisco in the late afternoon.   It a day of turning the clock back as we will be losing eight or nine hours before we arrive in California.   The flight time is ten and a half hours and there is a layover of an hour and twenty minutes.  It’s the kind of flight that I like to stay awake on so that I can go to bed and sleep when I arrive.  It’s gonna be a long day!  And we’re flying WOW Airlines…no frills but very inexpensive!  

My steps for the day:  5,677 making nearly 3 miles.  Not much but it was a tram day!   See you in the USA.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23^RD, 2018                  TRAVEL TO USA             light rain

We were all packed by the time we went to bed last night.  The alarm clock was set for 7 am; but we were both awake by 6 am.  Ate a good breakfast and did the final clean up before quietly taking the suitcases down the narrow and steep flight of stairs to the street just after 7 am.  

The rain was very light so it was easy to make our way the three blocks to the tram station.  We were there before the morning rush hour so we didn’t have any problems getting seats on the tram.    Soon we were at the Central Station and headed through the train gates with our tickets that we purchased yesterday.  There were stairs to the track but I saw an elevator and tried it. Oops, it took me to the wrong track and I had to go back down and tackle the stairs.  Fortunately, a nice young man asked if he could help!   It’s rare that an old person has to carry luggage all the way upstairs in a train station.  After we got on the right track we saw the elevator that would have also brought us up to the track. Duh!   Should have looked harder, but we each got help from young men in carrying the luggage up the flight of stairs.    We arrived at the airport about fifteen minutes later; great way to get to the airport.

We were at the airport before 9 am and first in line to check in after we got our tickets from the Kiosk; slowly getting used to doing this in airports.  When the luggage portion opened we actually weighed our own bags and printed the tags before the belt that it was on wisked the bag off to never never land.  Once we’d finished with the first bag we realized I’d put my tag on Jim’s luggage!   It was that last question…does this bag belong to this person?   Oops, quickly hit the cancel button and the bag came back and we reprinted the tags!     Everything is a learning experience these days.  But we totally checked in and checked our bags without any assistance.  The coming world.

Went through security where they pulled Jim’s carryon bag and took everything out and open and closed the umbrella inside of the bag several times.  I think they were looking for busy work, but Jim was cool and kept quiet while it was happening.   All checked in and then the waiting began; we still had nearly two hours.

Our flight on Wow Airlines, a no frills low budge airlines, took off on time and was fully loaded.  One of the things about this airlines is that all flights to/from Europe make a stop in Iceland.  It was a four hour flight and we had an hour layover to change to our next flight.    This flight was only half full so many people took advantage of the empty four seats in the center for beds.   Jim and I decided to stay awake for the entire flight, well actually Jim did some catnaps and we’d each snoozed a bit on the first leg of the journey, so that we could make the adjustment with the loss of time and go to bed when we arrive.

Arrived in San Francisco nine hours later and because of recovering nine hours we actually left at noon from Amsterdam and arrived in San Francisco at 5 pm on the same day!   Yes, a very long day! 

We purchased tickets for the Bart Rail System and an hour later we were at our son’s home just outside of Walnut Creek.   We’re visiting until the 29^th to celebrate both Memorial Day Weekend and our grandson’s high school graduation before heading south on Southwest Air to Orange County and home.   It was so nice to see Jay waiting for us at the Bart Station for the short drive to his home.  

This will be my last post on this trip; hope that you enjoyed sharing our journey.

AMSTERDAM DAYS EIGHT & NINE

Sunday     May 20^th, 2018     Pentecost Sunday    Weather sunny and warm…summer is back  

  

News this morning from twin sister Mary, a photo of her and her daughter flashed on their local TV    Local celebrities!  So much fun.  Yes, she was using her walker to get around.  Good to know.

news station last night at their Royal Wedding Party!

We were awake early and by 9:15 am out the door to walk to the Tram #4 station that is nearby and will take us directly to the Central Station for Mass at St. Nicolas’ Basilica to celebrate Pentecost Sunday.   Surprise, the trams are fewer and further between on a Sunday so we had a ten minute wait.  I wore my warm gray jacket and Jim had on his lightweight white jacket.   I was comfortable all morning but most people had their summer shorts and sandals today; the sun is shining and it’s a beautiful warm day.

We’d arrived a few minutes early so spent some time checking out the Train Station for our trip to the airport on Wednesday.   Then we crossed the street and entered to a packed St. Nicolas!   We had expected a Solemn High Mass complete with a magnificent choir; but not a Confirmation Ceremony complete with the Bishop!    It was a beautiful service and lasted nearly two hours.  But the music kept us enthralled so that we didn’t feel of knees.  

After Mass we started walking over to Damrak Street to follow the Walking Tour of Amsterdam in our Rick Steve’s pocket guidebook.   We’ve already seen most of the sites but have missed a few of them.  The first stop was at De Papegaat, the parrot,  a 16^th Century hidden Catholic Church that is still active.   It was considered hidden as it is crammed in-between commercial buildings on a busy street.  Very narrow and built like the attic churches with a balcony for extra seating.   There is a wire strung across the back of the church with a fake parrot perched on the wire and note the common name references the parrot.   Originally the church was tucked behind a shop that was owned by a gentleman who was a bird trader.  Thus, the common name as the church is actually named for Peter and Paul.   Today, when we entered, there was a mass in process being said in both Dutch and English.  Much like the magician on the cruise ship.  It’s a real talent to switch between languages so easily.

From there we continued walking to the Amsterdam Museum.  It has a very unusual entrance and it sits slanted as though the ground has dropped on one side.  Probably so.   We checked everything out but decided not to go in as it’s basically a history museum and not much art except for a few Rembrandts.  

Then to the Flower Market in glass shops along the Singel Canal.  There are two blocks of them and they are full of bulbs to plant and flowers to buy along with an ample supply of souvenirs to purchase.   I splurged on an inexpensive five fingered Delft vase and a tiny windmill to take home.  We also noticed as we crossed bridge after bridge that the warmer weather and the weekend have brought out the tourists in droves.  The boats loaded with people are bumper to bumper in nearly every canal.  It’s so different walking today in the crowds as opposed to weekdays. 

We arrived home just after two o’clock after stopping at the ATM for more Euros for my summer trip and have enjoyed our afternoon with the windows open.     

We enjoyed our first evening out for dinner tonight since we left the cruise ship!   We walked down the block to enjoy an early dinner.  We selected a board of small plates for two selected by the chef.  It was unique and delicious:  raw salmon on a salad bed, blood sausages, fried chicken, BBQ’d ribs, onion rings, potatoes, bread and sauces.  Delicious!   Beer instead of wine and a slow walk through the crowded park on the long way home.  

Todays steps:  11,211  --  4.93 miles

Monday, May 21^st, 2018   Whit Monday  (the day after Pentecost) 

                                                                                       summer weather    (rain expected)

I’d read my Kindle book late into the night and also had a phone call from the USA about 11 pm.  A neighbor that didn’t know we were still in Europe called for the code for a lock box on the Electrical Panel outside.   Fortunately I knew the code and was able to help him.  He was surprised when I said we were still in Amsterdam!    Today is a holiday in much of Europe.  Whit Monday is a religious holiday in conjunction with Pentecost Sunday.  But, most things continue to be open as usual.  

About noon we left the apartment… without jackets for the first time…. And walked about two miles to visit a private home, coach house and gardens that is known as the Museum Van Loon.  Beautiful furnishings and very original interiors.  The home was built in 1672 and purchased by William van Loon who co-founded the Dutch East India Company as a wedding gift for his son. 

  

 

During our walk we stopped to watch two men hoist a refrigerator up to the fourth floor using the pulley at the top of the house.  Scary!

The canals were bumper to bumper again with boat due to the holiday and the beginning of summer!  A beautiful day full of sunshine and summer clothes!   Jim walked to purchase our dinner and bring it home to enjoy as I washed my hair early.  We enjoyed pita lamb sandwiches with a glass of wine.  Our landlords, Sven and Claire, brought us a bowl of fresh strawberries that we enjoyed for dessert.

My steps were short today, only 5,764   (2.61 miles) but Jim took two extra walks so had four miles.

The weatherman says we’re going to have thunder storms tonight!  ??