The walk to Pamplona was very nice. The forecast has called for rain every day yet I remain dry. A few rolling hills always provided a good change of scenery on the other side including the first major city of the route.
I traveled with Victor from Germany and and Angelika from Austria. The walk was full of sunshine, some good conversation and plenty of time for reflection.
As we reached Pamplona, Victor split off to find his hotel room he booked for two nights. We moved to the heart of the city to stop for one cerveza score walking another 5 km to the next city, Cizur Menor.
By the time we reached the city it was about 4 pm. We found the only albergue closed! After asking around if there were any other options and finding none we called ahead to the next city. Again no one was confirming any rooms.
Tired and hungry we decided to try and hitchhike back to Pamplona. Skeptical we would get a ride, Angelika stuck out her thumb and the very first car pulled over! A very nice couple headed to town picked us up. We were grateful.
During the car ride I reached for my phone but did not find it in its usual pocket. I rifled through all my pockets until I finally found it in the breast pocket of my jacket. I sat back and sunk at ease in this soft leather of the Audi wagon.
About 15 minutes later we were being dropped at the cathedral near the albergue we had directed Victor towards. We jumped out, collected our bags and said a many repeated gracias.
About a half a block towards our destination, I felt for wallet that I found in my left pocket just five minutes earlier in the car. It was gone!! I rifled once more to come up empty handed. I had left my passport, pilgrim credential, credit cards, drivers license, and cash in the car! I had only 6 Euro in change in my jacket pocket.
We headed to the albergue to see if there were any beds and to see what I could do. There were other familiar faces checking in too. We shared the news and heard sighs and oh no’s from the group. Angelika was quick to put 200 Euros in my hand to cover my expense for a few days. A true angel.
After she checked in, I said I lost all my wallet and could I check in anyway. He asked if I was Gregory and I said yes. He slid me a piece of paper with victors telephone number and to call him as he had my wallet. He remembered the name of the albergue and called to leave a message. We made arrangements to meet the next morning where he picked us up which he did!!! All was right again.
That night, Angelika paid for my room and dinner. I also got to know Max from France, Christine and Maria from Germany, Daniel from Italy and Ed from none other than St Paul!
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