From Pamplona we drove to Olite, changing scenery all together as we went from lush open green fields to the desert. I think, though, that I was more fascinated by the wind mills(go clean energy!) that filled the horizon. 19 on one hilltop with 30 on a hill just after that one! Tree hugger Jillian was quite pleased.
In Olite we toured the caslte. This town was completely different. A warmer colored stone to match the heat. In addition to heat my allergies suffered as huge chunks of pollen floated everywhere. Nonetheless, the tour of the castle was great. The Royal Palace of Olite was built in 1402-24, Commissioned by Carlos III King of Navarre in 15th Century, restored in 1937-67. It was neat that they kept on a bit not restored so that you could see the original structure. From the many towers you get a great view of the town, all tightly built together with narrow streets, red tiled roofs, flat dry lands all around and mountains with windmills off in the distance.
Leaving Olite, we went to Ujue, a small town atop a mountainside, recommended to visit by Eneko's dad so that I could see a typical build of a village: tightly condensed towns plopped on the top of the hill. Very neat, especially looking at it from afar and looking from it out at the terrain, so different from the mountains where we began our day's journey.
From Ujue to Javier, a town made up of a a few hotels, a church/castle to San Javier and the monk's residence. Definitely a quiet place where one could find peaceful meditation. We walked around a bit, enjoying a bar of ice cream to fight off the heat before we left for Leyre to just take a peek around: I didn't feel like stopping for an hour to take the guided tour. Stepping in to inquire about the tour I got a good peek inside and got to hear monks chanting, that was good enough for me ;)
Then we left for our final destination of the day, Urzainki, Eneko's paradise. In Valle del Roncal lie 7 villages, one of which is Urzainki where Eneko's family has a home, a beautiful home in the most gorgeous spot! We left the desert and were swept into the curvy roads of the mountain valley. Always following the river, we drove first into a small town to pick up food. Upon arriving in urzainki, eneko was greeted by people who hadn't seen him in nine months. Happy reunions! I swear, EVERY friend he ran into asked where the hamburgers went and why he wasn't fat. Finally someone who could attest to the truth that not all Americans are fat! (Ironic though considering here I was an American abroad who totally gained weight while out of my 'fat' country).
After dropping our things off, Eneko took me for a drive past Izaba, another small town, up through a valley opening where the goats who make the famous Queso Roncal graze towards the mountains he so very much loves. We basically drove to the top, again, into France, where Eneko shouted 'baclava" to Melanie who arrived in Nantes, France that day! With snow still on the top of the mountains we had a lovely white above-green below view. I hope my photos came out well because the sight was just in credible. And to think he's hiked/skied/biked all over that area! I absolutely love how active everyone there is. Makes me oh so eager to return home and get in shape ;)
Returning, we made dinner and dined out on his patio, watching the sun fade away and basking int he beauty of the mountains. We met up with his friends at a bar they frequent regularly. Now, my Spanish is good, but when the four guy friends started getting excited and speed talking, throwing in Basque names and places I got a bit lost. Luckily the girl friends kept me engaged in convo and all was fun.
Definitely my favorite place visited while there! I can see why it is his paradise
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