Day 17 - A Day of Exploration and Rest : Burgos

This morning began gloriously at 7:30 am, when we awoke with no noises, no rush, and no need to move on, given that we had decided to remain in Burgos an extra day. We lounged until 8:30 in bed, whereupon we eventually got up, dressed, and went to the hotel lounge to enjoy a breakfast. All wonderful, almost forgotten experiences - privacy, morning showers, no need to hike, large breakfasts! 

While we enjoyed ourselves, we were nonetheless stunned to find that our morning coffee, toast, eggs, and glasses of orange juice came to 25 Euros / person. The 50 Euros we paid for this scant meal were more than we usually spent for a day's hiking, treats en route, the night's lodgings, and dinner combined. Ah well, heaven, or rather hotels, are only enjoyed so often, and it felt great to pamper ourselves. 

Given our decision to remain a second day in Burgos we inquired as to whether we could keep our room and were informed that it had already been reserved but that we could switch rooms if we wanted to check our bags and come back at 2 pm. Satisfied with this solution, we repacked our gear, gratefully left our bags at the front desk, and set out to enjoy Burgos for another day. 

 

We began our morning in town by attending the English pilgrim mass, and soon after toured the cathedral for a second time. After this we spent a great deal of time in the main square enjoying coffee and ice cream, as well as writing post cards and journals, and catching up on blog writing and postings (sorry for the delays).  We also climbed the hill behind the cathedral and visited a the museum and castillo above the city. 

And we stopped in to beautiful church located just above the cathedral on the way up the hill.

 

By the onset of the afternoon we returned to the hotel, checked into our new room, unpacked our gear and went swimming in the attached pool. 

 

After a midday nap, we visited a local bakery and enjoyed far too many pastries. Yet, despite these snacks we were soon searching for our dinner, and decided to enjoy a pizza. During our meal we for were fortunate enough to see an orchestra play outside of the cathedral and watch a religious ceremony in the main square. 

 

By 9 pm, after enjoying a brief hike around the old quarter, we were tired and went back to our room.Tomorrow's hike takes us to the beginning of the Meseta - which is a large, flat plain that dominates the middle portion of the Camino. 

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Practical information:

Distance: 0 km
Max Temperature: 32°C
Accommodations:Hotel abba Burgos (75 Euros for the room)