A Visit to Vitoria

Saturday, May 12

Today is a bit of a side trip. We are going to the medieval town of Vitoria, in Basque country, to visit a friend/colleague of mine. When I discovered that Veronica lived only one hour from Pamplona, we decided to add a day to our trip to visit with her and her family, and see the amazing murals she and her sister have been able to create in the old city centre.

Of course Peter has been able to find an alternative to the direct highway route, so we head back out through the walls of Pamplona onto backroads.

See the YoutTube viedo for hairpin turns on the back roads west of Pamplona. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcwNrrWiwQI

After the heat of the past few days its chilly today. There is a heavy cloud that slides down the side of the mountains and makes for an eerie ride. The route is busy with cyclists. They loom out of the fog, furiously pedaling their way up the steep roads. We buzz by them, but give them plenty of room. It isn't actually raining, but we are damp from the mist. I find this part of the ride quite unnerving. I know Peter is taking it cautiously as the roads are slick and the visibility poor. When we reach the summit of one hill, it is suddenly bright sunshine again. For the last part of the journey to Vitoria we are on the highway. It is still cold - what a change from yesterday - and I tuck myself behind Peter as we zip along at a good speed.

We meet up with Veronica and her kids in the centre, near the cathedral, where she negotiates with a local cop to allow us to leave our trusty BMW parked on the sidewalk. It's fully loaded with all our belongings, so we have to hope it will be safe there.

At the first stop on our walking tour, Veronica is thrilled to see a couple having their wedding photos taken in front of one of her murals. She has heard this is common practice, but never seen it happen. I am very impressed with the work her team have done in the town. The murals are strongly excecuted and complement the surrounding architecture. 

On our way to lunch, we stop for a drink at one of those bars that spills out onto the road. And then there is a detour to buy wine for lunch, which we are having at Veronica's apartment, where we are joined by her partner, her sister and her mother. It is a typical Spanish home cooked lunch; three courses, wine and good conversation. We feel very honoured and grateful for their hospitality.