New refuge at Pamplona

Casa Paderborn!

On the first of May 2006 I stayed in Casa Paderborn in Pamplona. In fact, I purposely looked for it, as I knew about its existence from postings on the pilgrims forum. Because it was new, not a lot of people knew about it (the guidebooks didn't have it yet.) so it was only like a dozen of us in the house. It was a memorable stay. The hospitalero/hospitaleras were very accommodating and where on the camino can pilgrims get a welcome drink upon arrival?!

Jochen and his co-hospitaleras even graciously allowed me to stay for a second night as I made an extra pilgrimage (by bus) to Javier, St. Francis Xavier's birthplace, 90km from Pamplona. Despite his suggestion that I resume the walk from Sanguesa on the Camino Aragones, I thought it would be cool to go back to that nice homely place.

It's not just a bed you get at Casa Paderborn. You also hear lots of stories of the camino, courtesy of Jochen the master storyteller himself and a fellow civil engineer. Even the logo of the city of Paderborn (3 stags forming circle) on his shirt has a tale to tell! And you should hear the story of the basement and the creatures in it...

Thanks for everything, Jochen!


Mark TQM
(Philippines)