It’s 1 am and I’m jet-lagged and I can’t sleep, so I’m writing a blog post while I have strong wi-fi at my hotel.
My flights were easy, and I sat next to a nice Spanish lawyer from Extramadura on the Atlanta to Madrid flight. It was fun to visit with a combination of his English and my (very) minimal Spanish. It seems unusual to talk with your seat mates these days. I was thankful for that and also that he helped me find the shuttle to Terminal 4, where I caught the bus to Burgos. Then we said good-bye, and I was off on my own.
After the scenic two and a half hour Bus ride from the Madrid airport,we pulled into Burgos and I knew exactly where I was. Just a five minute walk across the river to the area where the Camino comes through. The weeping willows are leafing out, and the fly fishermen are there, again, so charmingly, in the middle of town. The familiarity brought back fond memories of my days here in 2013, with my friends. Again, I was thankful.
I had really good pinchos at a recommended restaurant at 4:00, and then a really (!) bad pilgrim meal at 7:00. My mealtimes are all off because of jet lag and the late Spanish dinner hours.
The light on the Cathedral was warm on the newly-cleaned stone as it shifted through the hours today. The art inside was as remarkable as I remembered it, and I felt the same spiritual distance.
And there was the hunky portrait of Burgos’ hero, El Cid. 
I’ve seen fewer Peregrinos than I expected today. It’s early in the season. The weather is cool and crisp, just right for walking. I look forward to the journey to Hornillos tomorrow and entering the stream of Pilgrims.
One Footestep at a Time 
Yeah! Camino 3.0 begins! Love the photos of Burgos cathedral in different lights, like Monet’s series of Rouen cathedral, a long-time favorite. Cleaning is good for the health of the stone, but it looks so “new” now and I miss the patina…. El Cid does look pretty good, but “Babieca,” such a lovely Andalusian, looks even better! Wishing you many days of good walking weather, spring wildflowers gracing your path all the way to Leon, all sans blisters.
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Great day today, 20K. See how I feel tomorrow!
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Wowzer Bunkie, 20K on the first day!? You in a hurry there? Don’t go too fast now & miss enjoying all the special little moments….Ha Ha!
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Funny you should say that! I’m taking the next two days very slowly, 10k today, 10k tomorrow, and savoring the time here on the Meseta. Also trying to avoid blisters, although they seem to be doing fine.
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Happy trails, Beth. I so enjoy reading about your exciting and inspirational journey.
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Say hola to Burgos for me!! When I was there last October the cathedral was all bright and shiny on the outside and I wondered when it had been cleaned. Looking forward to following your latest journey.
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It was a little dingier in June of 2013. Now they’re restoring the cloister.
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Hola, Beth! Yes, it is great to have you walking and exploring and blogging again. Looking forward to the nuevo Camino del Beth. And that hunky portrait resembles Hale. The guy with the sword, not so much.
Strength and inspiration to you.
George
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Hola, George! (Jorge) happy you are following along, it’s good to have you here. Spring is a beautiful time to be here. I can see Hale as the El Cid of Bay Area manufacturing.
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What a treat to “travel” with you again, Madre Beth … Wishing you a safe and spiritual journey. With love and admiration, Anita
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Thanks for joining in the journey! Lunch sometime in May is something to plan for.
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