Burgos -- almost like a class reunion

Today was intentional Sabbath. Even in my earliest plans to do the Camino, I had planned to take some time in the magnificent medieval city of Burgos.  To avoid a bit of weather, and particularly steep climb first thing in the morning, we took the bus from Villafranca to Burgos, about half-an-hour's ride, but A day and a half of walk! You really don't notice distance until it flies by on the highway.  This will allow for a full extra day in Burgos.

After finding our hotel, yes – a bit more Parsifal - and leaving packs, I set out to explore some of the city. The Castle is particularly famous, having first being constructed in the ninth century.  Getting to the top of the castle wall made up for the avoided hill earlier in the morning!

We met for lunch, sharing salad and pizza, and then was back to find a hotel again. The streets of Burgos are a spiderweb leading out from the hub of the Cathedral Square. As long as you remember which direction to turn, you'll be all right!

And then there was the most luxurious moment of the Camino so far: I checked into my room, and drew a hot bath in a deep tub. I'm sure they heard the "ahhhh" when I settled in all the way to the lobby!

We went to the cathedral for the pilgrims mass and blessing and a side chapel that seats about 200. The Pilgrim's mass and the blessing was rather perfunctory, so many of the people that we had seen along the way were there – people that we had not seen for days, and even one of my "cab companions" from Biarritz to St Jean were there.

10 of us, representing Italy, Hungary, Canada, and the United States eat dinner together, and the day was done.

Today's Music:  Mr Blue Sky (happy day!)

Today's paces: 16,747

Tomorrow's Prayer Intentions:  The faith community at the University of Kings College Chapel – I can hear the choir in my mind as I walk through the cathedral.