Day 3: From mountain to desert to mountain

Sorry I'm so late!

So, on May 16th, we left Beasain for Pamplona. Instead of taking the highway, Eneko took us along a curvy path throug the mountains near Beasain. I got to see beautiful green valleys full of tall and thick trees with the occasional grass opening that flowed beautifully down the mountainside. We drove past Eneko's father's home town, Ataun. The road was splendid. I'd forgotten how much I missed trees. It felt like summer driving along a tree covered road with the sun peeking down and shinning the way.

Pamplona was the first stop, it's Eneko's likely city of choice to live in, and I can see why, it is lovely. We walked along the ancient walls that once guarded the city against attack. We walked along a huge open part towards the citadel. We made our way to the old part of the city, best known for the running of the bulls. Here Eneko explained to me the tradition of the festival of San Fermin, taking me along the Encierro del recorrido de los torros, telling me what it's like to see millions cramming in to catch seconds worth of a glimpse at the runners and bulls as they fly by. Found out the festivities begin on my birthday with a rocket launch at noon in the central plaza, actual running not til July 7th. We toured even more of the walls and old city before stopping in a bar for pintxos. The US really needs pintxos.

(crap, I've got to go, Rachel's leaving for Nicaragua and I need to say adios... lol I'll finish my recap soon, I promise!)