The Navarre Interesting Bits

2:09 PM, July 16, Illuminati Cafe in Logrono

Here's just a bunch of random bits that I found interesting throughout the Navarre stretch.

I have met only one other American group, a family that is more New York and Naples than American.

The World Cup fever is STILL going strong. It's toasted nightly, and we've gotten plenty of free drinks in its spirit.

Lisa, who's from Holland, is STILL disappointed about the loss to Spain.

The same cologne that Coach K is known for wearing is VERY popular here. Almost every moment that I walk through a city I double take because I think Coach might be nearby. It keeps me on edge, and I find it hilarious.

ChupiChupi is a type of ice cream, ChupoChupo is something very inappropriate, twice.

On the first night I had 6 ampoyas on my feet, not 6 poyas on my feet as Lisa tried to tell Isma.

When a German guy is convinced that the word for horse in Spanish is pantalones, you just agree because it makes everyone smile more.

Walking really isn't that bad or that boring. Surprisingly.

Europeans are much ruder, by my standards, than the average American.

If you meet a woman named Valerie on a horse with a second horse carrying her supplies, who has already traveled 2 months from Burgundy, of course you'll meet her again. In fact, she'll show up at the most opportune moments to let you know what path you should be taking or which breakfast is best.

If you meet a man named Rafael from the north of France who has been traveling for 3 months from his front doorstep towards Santiago, of course you'll meet him again. In fact, he will teach you how to eat almonds from an almond tree, how to grow sprouts in your backpack while you walk, and how to make a very tasty, very local salad.

It's never too early for a cerveza or some vino, and never too late for some cafe con leche.

The Basque people REALLY want independence. And they have posters to prove how much they want it. Lots and lots and lots of posters. And these posters are EVERYWHERE. Especially in bathrooms. The Basque Bathroom Independence Movement.

The perfect bull fight occurs when the bullfighter gets hurt, but not too hurt, gets close to death, but not too close to death, starts running, but doesn't run away. (From a native of Pamplona).