Rise early and head for the Peugeots safe and secure in their garages – enter the early morning – a controlled bustle in the square – vans set up for an exhibition – breakfast chefs and a few others scurry towards work – their employers want to open in an hour or so.
On the still magnificent roads past Valladolid – smile a lot as we fondly remember her little Mexico cousin – pass more Spanish wind mills – journey through lush broad acre crops commanding undulating treeless plains – Spain was never like this in my mind.
On the still magnificent roads past Valladolid – smile a lot as we fondly remember her little Mexico cousin – pass more Spanish wind mills – journey through lush broad acre crops commanding undulating treeless plains – Spain was never like this in my mind.
As we lunch on the roadside John points out the lack of roadside advertising – how could I be so lacking in observational skills? – Spain banned roadside advertising years ago – perhaps that is why the country side looks so nice.
El Cid beckons as we approach Burgos –.still the rolling lush broad acre crops of wheat – enter the town from the south along a tree lined avenue beside the river – feels open – feels kind – pass pilgrims with their packs and walking poles – think of Bernie O’Donnell – see the first footsore pilgrims up close – feel sorry for Bernie O’Donnell.
El Cid beckons as we approach Burgos –.still the rolling lush broad acre crops of wheat – enter the town from the south along a tree lined avenue beside the river – feels open – feels kind – pass pilgrims with their packs and walking poles – think of Bernie O’Donnell – see the first footsore pilgrims up close – feel sorry for Bernie O’Donnell.
Arrive at the hotel – new experiences take all forms – push the lift key - slowly squeeze the car into the car lift – press the button for floor minus 2 – park the car – no pole dancing here – spaces so small there is no need for poles.
Tired – sleep awhile – stroll the streets – car-free plazas in the centre of town host pilgrim walkers and riders seeking refuge from the daily trudge on the Camino de Santiago – the walk of Saint James - 783 kilometres to the end of the known world - shells attached to packs an essential symbol of the journey? Some wear their packs and walking poles as medals of honour – others are relieved to be rid of the regalia of the pilgrimage and sport open sandals and socks – the latter hobble obviously footsore and tired – young people and older people – Older ladies seem to predominate – they seek respite on the red granite benches in the Plaza - all exposed calves are taught and tired - all praying for a massage? O’Donnell you are mad!
Tired – sleep awhile – stroll the streets – car-free plazas in the centre of town host pilgrim walkers and riders seeking refuge from the daily trudge on the Camino de Santiago – the walk of Saint James - 783 kilometres to the end of the known world - shells attached to packs an essential symbol of the journey? Some wear their packs and walking poles as medals of honour – others are relieved to be rid of the regalia of the pilgrimage and sport open sandals and socks – the latter hobble obviously footsore and tired – young people and older people – Older ladies seem to predominate – they seek respite on the red granite benches in the Plaza - all exposed calves are taught and tired - all praying for a massage? O’Donnell you are mad!
Oh Bugger! 533 kilometres to go
Stroll further past the cathedral – Gaudi was also here - out of the plaza - along the river side avenue – marvel at the twin rows of plain trees with their branches grafted to one another to enable a glorious continuous canopy to protect strollers on hot Spanish days.
The city – open and clean – wakes up slowly from its siesta and develops a purposeful but controlled bustle – The people calm and stylish - appealing
Our last night with John and Merie … Special dinner … celebrate with great travelling companions.
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