Hello Readers,
Today we're carrying on from last Tuesday and posting
another travel post, I am still being original and calling it Travel Tuesday.
The places I am going to be mentioning are Egypt, Spain, Tunisia and
Cuba.
I not going to be talking about the more touristy places
in Spain, I am going to be talking about Pamplona this hidden gem is all the
way up in the north of Spain. Pamplona will always hold a special place in my
heart as it was the first solo trip I took. You’ve probably heard of it in a
negative light as its where San Fermin festival takes place or the running of
the bulls. I visited in September long after the bull run had happened, I also
think that was a brilliant time to visit as it wasn’t to warm or too cold, I
think during my two-week trip I had rain for one day.
I did, however, get a map from the tourist centre that
mapped out the bull run and walked the route from start to finish. The size of
the bull ring at Pamplona was a stunning sight despite not agreeing with the
event. On the outside of the ring, they have signs promoting how the money
raised helps the old people who have been forgotten and orphans. I am so sorry
but it is going to take a little more than that to make me agree with you.
One thing I will say it’s a little difficult to get to
Pamplona directly. I had to fly to Bilboa and catch a bus to Pamplona it only
too an hour and a half so it wasn’t too bad. Pamplona is also on the pilgrimage
route called Camino de Santiago (The way of Saint James). However, despite the
added travel time the city is very easy to navigate turn right enough times and
you’ll end up right where you started.
Almost every place of interest can be found within the
well-preserved medieval city walls and is within walking distance from the
Plaza del Castillo (Castle Square). Inside, the walls you have the old citadel
and Vuelta del Castillo Park. Also in walking distance is the La Catedral de
Santa María la Real de Pamplona and the Church of Saint Lawrence. The Cathedral
of Santa Maria la Real is stunning, to the left of the building is a small
shaded courtyard that is the perfect spot to read.
Pamplona is stunning by foot the stone-paved streets of
the Old Town wind their way through the historic heart of the city, between
medieval churches, palaces and, of course, plenty of bars and restaurants. The
Taconera Gardens are the oldest and beautiful park in
Pamplona at the time of my visit I wasn’t aware of the age of the site. This
beautiful park combines trees and flowers with a wide range of sculptures and
has a miniature zoo in the moat of the walls that
contain deer, ducks, pheasants, swans and peacocks. Below is the Portal de Francia.
If you get the chance when you visit you need to visit the
indoor markets in Pamplona, they are such a wonderful and brightly coloured
experience. The sight can almost overwhelming, the sight, smells and sounds are
a barrage on the senses. Fresh vegetables meat and fish are wonderfully
displayed, you can smell fresh herbs and meats cooking away as well as hear the
sounds of deals being made.
The food in Pamplona is scrumptious and they are very
generous with portion sizes the picture below is a salad that I’m pretty sure
only cost me 5 euros which is around £4.53 or $5.57. There are plenty of places
with wonderful menu’s but it would be a shame if you didn’t take advantage of
the set dinner menus that offer fantastic value for money for three courses and
a bottle of wine.
Pamplona is worth a visit for a week or a long weekend
away. You can explore so much on foot which is wonderful and you’ll find lovely
hidden gems where you can sit and read or take a minute to watch the world go
by.
L x
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