To Viana!

We got up before the other pilgrims and packed our bags in the dark trying to be careful not to wake the sleeping masses.  Headed out onto the Camino by 5:30.  It was nice to walk alone for a while. We arrived in Viana at about 10:30, another pretty little Spanish town with the typical  slot canyon like streets.  Sat down at the first cafe for a cafe con leche, my first of the day after having walked 19k already.  It was apparent that there was some kind of celebration starting as a parade wound down the street in front of us with families all dressed up in red and white.

After eating some really good sausages and bread along with our coffee, we wandered down the street to the hotel Palicio de Pujadas where Mark and Lynn told us they had made reservations.  We had planned to walk all the way to Logrono today and take a two night break but somehow this place just drew us in.  Yes, they had a room for 80 euro with a buffet breakfast with bacon and eggs. This is pricey but by American standards, for a 5 star hotel is very reasonable.  And don't forget there will be running with the bulls at 2 o'clock.  WHAT??  No brainier, we're staying.

After restraining ourselves from hugging the receptionist in gratitude and excitement, we checked into our most appreciated luxury room with an amazing bathroom.  I went immediately into the tub. I've been longing for my hot tub on this journey....you don't even know. It felt so good on my aching legs and shoulders.

We arranged for our laundry to be done for 6 euro then we wandered down to the bar for a much deserved beer and tapa and to wait for this curious event to start.  The doors to the hotel and its restaurants were opened and a huge iron gate was drawn across the openings.  We were to stand behind that.  In theory anyway.  We waited with the Spaniards all dressed up in their red and white....red to make the bull mad, I'm guessing.  People went into the streets and hung around and when the bulls would come running down, they would all retreat behind the iron gates and then run out and try to taunt them into rushing the gate! What fun!  John actually had the courage to go out into the streets and play cat and mouse like the other locals.  He was able to get some great photos. 

I, on the other hand, clung to the gate and screamed when those big horns got too close.

The party went late into the night and we loved Viana and her people.  Tomorrow Logrono about 5 miles away.