Upon arriving at the official Albergue, I was greeted by its spacious layout spanning three levels and offering a generous capacity of 78 beds. I took a shower and took a brief nap. My bunk bed neighbor happened to be a Spanish biker from San Sebastian named Aitor. Given my upcoming plans to visit his city, I seized the opportunity to inquire about noteworthy sites and recommended places to explore. We ventured out together, embarking on a search for a grocery store while simultaneously taking in the town's picturesque sights.
Returning the store, Aitor and I strolled through the old town, taking some photos. Upon arrived back to the Albergue, Aitor approached Jose, the friendly staff member at the front desk, seeking a wine opener. Jose suggested an unconventional combination: enjoying the wine mixed with Coca-Cola and ice. We invited Jose and settled around the kitchen table, relishing the peculiar blend as we engaged in lively conversation. In the midst of our exchange, Jose shared his plans to visit some friends, fellow pilgrims, in San Sebastian the following day. Aitor promptly suggested that I go with Jose on this adventure, realizing it aligned with my own desire to visit San Sebastian. I agreed that it was a good idea. Jose promptly provided instructions/website to purchase the bus ticket. Meanwhile, Aitor searched his phone for a suitable accommodation option in San Sebastian. Surprisingly, the same hotel that appeared more expensive on my English-language search appeared more affordable on Aitor's Spanish-language search. He kindly handed me his phone, enabling me to secure my hotel reservation swiftly. The events unfolded rapidly, I purchased my bus ticket and made hotel reservation all before dinner.
Later in the evening, Aitor and I decided to have a "pilgrim's dinner" in town.
We walked across the bridge adjacent to our Albergue, ultimately settling in the vibrant ambiance of an outdoor dining area teeming with locals. To our pleasant surprise, a live bullfight was being broadcasted on a television screen. Engrossed in the fervor of the moment, we discovered that many locals had gathered, reveling in the spectacle together. As we enjoyed our meal, Aitor took the time to enlighten me about the intricacies of bullfighting. Although I understood approximately 70% of what he says in Spanish, I deciphered the remaining 30% based on context. Observing the bull on the TV screen, adorned with swords and bleeding, I found myself experiencing the raw reality of a genuine bullfight for the first time. The gravity of its cruelty became strikingly apparent. Aitor informed me that public opinion in Spain is divided, with approximately half of the population opposing this traditional sport while the other half remains in support of it.
Here are some photos taken in Estella old town on the day I first arrived and again upon my return back to Estella after taking a detour visiting San Sebastain and Bilbao.
*Estella, also known as Estella-Lizarra, is a historic town nestled in the Navarre region of northern Spain. Its origins can be traced back to 1090 when King Sancho Ramirez of Pamplona established it as a vital waypoint along the revered Way of St. James pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. With its abundance of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, Estella bears testimony to its medieval heritage.
The town's remarkable architectural legacy encompasses a wealth of well-preserved medieval buildings and structures. The historic center, in particular, is renowned for its captivating blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.
**About Bullfighting in Spain:
Bullfighting, or "corrida de toros" in Spanish, is a traditional spectacle that has been a part of Spanish culture for centuries. It involves a confrontation between a bull and one or more bullfighters, also known as "matadors." The bullfight takes place in a large arena called a "plaza de toros" or bullring.
Whether bullfighting is considered a sport is a matter of perspective and debate. Supporters of bullfighting argue that it is a legitimate sport that requires skill, agility, and bravery from the matadors. They believe that it is a form of art, where the matador demonstrates their mastery of technique and their ability to engage in a ritualistic dance with the bull.
However, critics of bullfighting view it as a cruel and inhumane practice that causes unnecessary suffering to the animals involved. They argue that it cannot be considered a sport because the bull is systematically weakened and tormented throughout the fight, leading to its eventual death. Opponents of bullfighting advocate for its abolition on ethical grounds.
In recent years, there has been growing opposition to bullfighting, both within Spain and internationally. Some regions in Spain have banned or restricted bullfighting, while others continue to embrace it as an important cultural tradition. The controversy surrounding bullfighting reflects differing opinions on animal rights, cultural heritage, and the ethics of using animals for entertainment.
