Belorado to Burgos – 46kms (by bus)
Snorers – 2, Sleep – minimal.
I actually had a giggling fit over the concertina of snorers we had in our room in Belorado. I think I am becoming delusional over lack of sleep.
I digress. The best part of the Camino? Meeting all the mix of people and sharing this incredible community spirit. The problem on the Camino? There are so many of these people and you can’t get a bed anywhere except for the factory farm Albergues!
I’d looked at the stage ahead and contacted all of the smaller, more personal Albergues and they were all booked out. That left the really impersonal ones (including the place with no electricity and mats on the floor. No thank you).
Irish was catching the bus to return home, so after a bit of discussion, BC and I decided to do the same and have a rest day in Burgos.
I could see BC was wrestling with the decision and I am so incredibly proud of her when she chose to do what was right for her and walk after all.
I had a moment of doubt, but then my next thought was how nice it would be to sit and watch the world go by and write a post about Bree. I knew instantly that I was doing the right thing for me.
It was so difficult saying goodbye to BC though. This was someone who has been there sharing my lowest moments and someone I have laughed with until nearly peeing my pants! If we didn’t cross paths again, would I meet someone else who I had this connection with?
The bus was filled with Pilgrims all doing the same. What an amazing bus it was. You could charge your phone and it had free WiFi. Took much longer than what they said… but…..it’s Spain and measurement doesn’t seem to be a thing here.
Burgos is a beautiful, cosmopolitan city, blending the history with the new.
We met up with Peter and Lyn, a couple from New York state for tapas at a fabulous bar that was brimming with Spanish people. A bottle of wine later and I was merrily walking home.
Sadly, I said goodbye to Irish (for real this time) as she was due to fly home. I look forward to catching up with her in Ireland after I finish the Camino.
Two surprises came in though. BC made it to Burgos and I caught up with gentle Tom again!
What I loved today was simply sitting in a cafe in a plaza, drinking cafe con leche, watching the world go by and being able to easily share another story about Bree. So much of the emotional pain I feel when remembering Bree seems to be lifting for me while doing this journey. I hope this continues as I have so many more stories to share.
It was also nice to start looking ahead and deciding places I want to stay and being able to book them in. I wanted to be flexible on the Camino, but I also wanted more of the personal, intimate accommodations and so far, I haven’t been able to have both. I decided the flexibility is something I am more willing to forgo.
The timeout has been refreshing and I feel ready to tackle the infamous Meseta.
Karen while catching up each night I feel so close to you and part of this wonderful journey. Its like having a conversation its incredible . Im amazed at how sensible you are ?? HA HA Your decisions are so important as to what suits you at the moment your in regardless of what your special friends are deciding. You look so happy in every photo YES I know I keep saying it but you obviously are enjoying every bit of each day and night with all the goings on. Snoring , eating Tapas, drinking wine, almost pee pants with laughing, boy I can relate to that. love and big hugs xx Pat
Glad you enjoyed your time out. Burgos is a great place to do that.
Helen, I sat on the steps of the cathedral, soaking up the sun and was just looking out to the plaza, listening to music being sung. It was just so special.