Buen Camino!  I am in St Jean and I am loving every minute. I have met so many new people and this French city takes me back to my days traveling France when living in Belgium in the 80's!  Helen and I just keep saying "Is this a dream"?  "Are we really seeing these flowers and buildings and mountains?  Are we really hearing people speak French"?  It is true. I am a Europhile to be sure!
    We departed Dulles a half hour late, but arrived in Madrid on time.  Picked up our poles from baggage (some took poles on board the plane which we were told we could NOT!!) and took a bus to the Alsa busline.  One bus ride for 3 hours and another for 2, and we ended up in Pamplona.  Istvar (our Hungarian host) picked us up and drove us another 45 minutes around curves and more curves, ending up at his Hostel.  At 7 we had a delightful family dinner with another American from California: Stefanie, and three Germans.  After we shared 5 bottles of wine, we slept VERY well!  Actually the wine is very young and therefore, very low alcohol content!
     This morning we had breakfast at 7AM and Istvar drove us to St Jean.  Great deal.  Have been here all day and have met many Americans, mostly  from the West Coast!   At 2:30, Joseph welcomed us to our home for tonight: Beilari. We are sharing a room with Stefanie, will go to 7PM Mass where we will have a blessing for our walk, then supper at 7:30!  By the way, last night we stayed in Curozon Puro: Pure Heart!  Love it.  Will be in touch.