4 Sleeps!!!! Last minute jitters are setting in...

[MARSKA]

Last minute jitters!

I want to make sure I can easily get to the bus station to catch the bus to St. Jean and that I have some idea as to how to navigate the bus station.

I had to change my hotel to : Hotel Ciudadela Pamplona, 13 Calle Ciudadela. Google maps show that the bus station where I assume I catch the bus is at 2 Calle Yanguas y Miranda, and is a 10 minute walk from this hotel. Is this correct?

Will it be obvious as to where the Alsa bus to St. Jean is located? Good signage?

Wow, This is really happening! Thank you one and all!

​

 

[VNwalking]

Buen camino @MARSKA!!
(Please don't take this wrong, but you seem to have had camino jitters for a while. The good news is that once you start walking they do abate.)

Is this correct?

No idea. But once you're there you can time it exactly, get a good rest and arrive in good time in the morning.

Will it be obvious as to where the Alsa bus to St. Jean is located? Good signage?

Ditto. Scope it out ahead of time if you need to. In a pinch you can always ask someone, but the Alsa desk xhould be obvious and that's where I'd start.

 

[C clearly]

@MARSKA - i wish you the best and will really look forward to learning about your actual walk! Please post!

 

[trecile]

@MARSKA - the bus station is mostly underground. This is what the building looks like from the street.



More pictures at this link

NEW BUS STATION OF PAMPLONA - Naserges

Coordinator in execution of security and health of Bus Station of Pamplona. Promoted by Ayuntamiento de Pamplona and Government of …

www.naserges.com

And information about the station here:

SKIDATA AG: Bus station Pamplona

In the center of Pamplona, the capital of the Navarra region, is the bus station that was officially opened on November 9th 2007. The impressive building with an area of 300.000 m2 was built in the middle of a green biosphere called Vuelta del castillo ...

www.parking.net

I would walk over there the day before so that you are confident on the day.

 

[J Willhaus]

The bus station is underground. It just looks like a big bus stop on top, but there are stairs and escalators to go down to the station. You should be able to find your platform as it will likely be posted at the alsa ticket desk. Follow the backpacks, there will almost certainly be others traveling with you. Deep breath and enjoy!

 

[VNwalking]

Follow the backpacks,

This.
You will not be alone, from beginning to end.

 

[mspath]

MARSKA,

Remember
"Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence and nothing too much...."
Ralph Waldo Emerson,
"Country Life", 1858

Have a wonder-filled time, and,
in the truest sense, Ultreia!

 

[Lindsay53]

You have done your homework, you are armed with the best advice to be found anywhere. You got this MARSKA! Keep us posted and Buen Camino!

 

[MARSKA]

I double-heart promise to post!

 

[MARSKA]

MARSKA,

Remember
"Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence and nothing too much...."
Ralph Waldo Emerson,
"Country Life", 1858

Have a wonder-filled time, and,
in the truest sense, Ultreia!

I love RW Emerson. So much truth in his words.

 

[CWBuff]

As they said - if you can, scope it out the day before.
Buen camino

 

[scott the farmer]

I double-heart promise to post!

Dont feel pressured to post just enjoy yourself you will be tired the first week and that is normal >

 

[C clearly]

double-heart promise to post

@scott the farmer makes a good point. It seems a bit excessive to make double-heart promises! Play it by ear and when you do post, we will enjoy it.

 

[David with new Kit!]

I feel the same before every Camino, but somehow it all clicks into place - enjoy.

 

[Shazzza]

Last minute jitters!

I want to make sure I can easily get to the bus station to catch the bus to St. Jean and that I have some idea as to how to navigate the bus station.

I had to change my hotel to : Hotel Ciudadela Pamplona, 13 Calle Ciudadela. Google maps show that the bus station where I assume I catch the bus is at 2 Calle Yanguas y Miranda, and is a 10 minute walk from this hotel. Is this correct?

Will it be obvious as to where the Alsa bus to St. Jean is located? Good signage?

Wow, This is really happening! Thank you one and all!

​

So excited for you! Enjoy the jitters! It’s all part of the journey.

 

[Brooklinn]

When’s you go downstairs, it will be easy to find. You can also ask at the counter and they will point you in the right direction. The buses all pull in and the bays are numbered. Many people will be sitting or standing with backpacks. If unsure, you can ask anyone if it is the right bus. The friendships will begin here. Everyone is excited to begin their journey and most are eager to talk. My suggestion if you tend to get car sick is to take a daytime Dramamine about a half hour before the bus leaves, or ginger chews. It is a winding road over the mountain. This helped me greatly on my last pass in May.

 

[MARSKA]

Brooklinn - thanks for reminding me about dramamine! I dont get airsick, but I DO get carsick!

 

[kensteve51]

Hello Marska, I arrive in St. Jean PP on Tuesday afternoon the 19th from Bilbao (via Bayonne), taking my first step on the Camino Frances on the moring of Wednesday the 20th. I am 72, so only walking to Auberge Borda, just past Orrison, on the first day. Hope our paths cross. Buen Camino...Ken

 

[Lmm62]

Last minute jitters!

I want to make sure I can easily get to the bus station to catch the bus to St. Jean and that I have some idea as to how to navigate the bus station.

I had to change my hotel to : Hotel Ciudadela Pamplona, 13 Calle Ciudadela. Google maps show that the bus station where I assume I catch the bus is at 2 Calle Yanguas y Miranda, and is a 10 minute walk from this hotel. Is this correct?

Will it be obvious as to where the Alsa bus to St. Jean is located? Good signage?

Wow, This is really happening! Thank you one and all!

​

I just came from Pamplona by bus yesterday to SJPP.
The street address is correct for the location of where to catch the coach bus but you need to go down the stairs or elevator to the underground bus loading area. I initially was standing on the street thinking there’s no signs at all. I figured it was a subway station underground not for buses. I had arrived early so went looking down the stairwell and sure enough it’s an underground bus station. Just look for the monitor that lists the bus to SJPP and loading bay number. Also located there is a restaurant and stores to pick up munchies if you like. Be prepared for a crazy windy road through the hills. I purposely stayed in the front row. I’ve heard people get carsick. I was fine just looking ahead. Enjoy your journey. I’m heading on camino tomorrow morning. SSJP is a beautiful quaint lil town nestled on the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. Take the time for a walkabout if you can.
Laura

 

[J Willhaus]

One more thing, in Spain at airports, larger bus stations, and train stations, they don't always put up the number of the gate or platform too early. So if you arrive early, you may find a group of people standing around looking at the monitor waiting for an announcement to post.

 

[David Tallan]

With all the worries and jitters it might help to remember that your task is easy and simple and something you do thousands of times every day. All you need to do is keep putting one foot in front of the other. Do that and eventually you will reach your destination. One of the great lessons the Camino teaches us.

 

[HappyValerie]

Last minute jitters!

I want to make sure I can easily get to the bus station to catch the bus to St. Jean and that I have some idea as to how to navigate the bus station.

I had to change my hotel to : Hotel Ciudadela Pamplona, 13 Calle Ciudadela. Google maps show that the bus station where I assume I catch the bus is at 2 Calle Yanguas y Miranda, and is a 10 minute walk from this hotel. Is this correct?

Will it be obvious as to where the Alsa bus to St. Jean is located? Good signage?

Wow, This is really happening! Thank you one and all!

​

Dear Marska,
I suggest you screenshot some of these posts of yours. They are so heartfelt & genuine.
When you complete your Camino (&no doubt long before ) you can reread them and see how how far you've come. And it won't just be measured in kilometres!
If jitters is what you are feeling, that's ok. You have taken note & you are doing something positive about it by reaching out. As I'm sure almost everyone here has experienced pre-pilgrim jitters, but can confirm that before you know it, they are replaced by exhilarating anticipation each day.
Treasure all these precious moments & feelings. They are the launching pad for the life that is starting in 4 sleep' time.
We are with you. Buen Camino.

 

[J Willhaus]

I asked some pretty silly questions before I went on my first Camino. I remember one about whether my unpedicured feet would be acceptable since all the women I know at home who wear sandals had pretty painted toenails.

I don't think I saw ANY painted toenails on that Camino unless they were adorned with betadine, tape, foam, or compeed. It was a new and completely different lifestyle for me to get up each day with an agenda of only walking, occasionally thinking about where I would eat and sleep. I think you'll love it.

 

[alexwalker]

2-3 weeks from now you are a pro, helping newbies.

Buen Camino!