Day 11 - Part Three

Having survived the militarised zone, and then another 5 or 6 kilometres of lifeless and unforgiving terrain with only the occasional hint of shade every hour or so, it was only now that I was approaching the part of the day's walk I had been dreading.

I had heard and read that the old city of Burgos was beautiful - with its 12th century cathedral a world heritage site. But like Leon to come, to get to the old city, you must first follow the original pilgrims path through what is now about 12 km of industrial sprawl. I was already exhausted - possibly traumatised - but I decided to try my best to finish the final 12 of 38 km which would bring me to the old city and a bed for the night. And the only reason to continue, I couldn't bear the thought of stopping short of the industrial sprawl and having to face it in the morning.

Imagine walking 12 km of the worst of Parramatta Road in western Sydney - well that doesn't get near the wasteland that is outer Burgos. When I was finally within 2 km of the old city, a little after 5pm, I noticed on one of those illuminated signs that it was still 30 degrees.

I headed straight for officio turismo, asked the gentleman to point me in the direction of the nearest 2 or 3 star hotel which as it happened was right around the corner. By 6pm I am in a lovely room with a bidet to wash my smalls and a BATH for me - first I've seen on The Camino! I am including a photo of the Plaza Alonso Martinez from my little balcony as well as a photo of my little balcony taken from the Plaza - look closely at the open window on left two floors up and you can see my washing!

I showered, did my washing and headed out to stroll around the old city in the daylight hours remaining til around 8.30. The old city is stunning. I sat at an outdoor cafe looking at the cathedral celebrating the unlikely but happy ending to my day with paella and vino blanco. I think I deserve it.

Before signing off, a quick thank you to Mary Jane and Jill for your emails, Ann for your text, and Helen (Mum), Julie, Rob and Pam for posting your comments. You have all been so generous in telling me how much you are enjoying reading these updates. Thank you. Rob, will answer your questions in tomorrow's update. And I will get to the Meseta which I was going to tell you about today - I'm heading there tomorrow.

One more thing for me to do before bed time. I'm going to hit that bath tub. Yeah!!! J x