It was a beautiful day to walk from Atapuerca to Burgos (a distance of 18.5 km or 11.5 miles); the sky was clear and the weather cool. I left Atapuerca at 7 am and arrived in the outskirts of Burgos at 10 am; it was another 8 km or so (about an hour) of walking through a thoroughfare lined with industries before I arrived in the heart of the city. I felt bizarre walking into a multistory shopping mall in the late morning to use its restroom after having just been in several villages earlier in the day. I also felt a little overwhelmed by the noise and crowds of people around me. The city was celebrating the festival of St. Paul and St. Peter, two patron saints of Burgos. Many people were dressed up in their village attire and walking / taking the bus to the Cathedral to participate in the festivities. I heard they were going to honor the Virgin Mary statue with flowers.
I found my way to Casa de Peregrinos de Emaus (where I would stay a night ~ 5 euros for a bed and donation for meals) and after dropping my backpack there around noon, I ventured out to see the Human Evolution Museum in Burgos (at a pilgrim price of 4 euros). It was highly-recommended by the hospitalero in Atapuerca the previous night. She informed me that the paleolithic remains that were excavated from the caves in Atapuerca were now on display in the museum. Scientists there discovered the first European who lived in the Sierra of Atapuerca about a million years ago.
After a brief tapas stop to soak in the fiesta, I moved on to see the world-famous Burgos Cathedral (at a pilgrim price of 3.50 euros). Construction of the Cathedral began in 1221 (Ferdinand III laid the first stone) and it took 3 centuries to complete. I'm astounded by the amazing carvings, sculptures, and stone masonry found in the interior. From the intricate designs to the geometric shapes, every detail was accounted for. It's a must-see if you're in Burgos.
By 5 pm, I was dead-tired (but a good tired) and so ready for bed but stayed up for Mass at 7:30 pm at the adjoining Church of San Jose Obrero and then dinner with the other pilgrims at the albergue. Following a brief prayer and reflection with the others, I hit the sack and fell into a deep sleep. What a wonderful day it's been!
Above left: Fabiola and I, we met again
Above: Arriving in Burgos
Above right: The Human Evolution Museum in Burgos
Above: The Burgos Cathedral
Above: Casa de Peregrinos de Emaus (this building was formerly a seminary for missionaries)
Above right: The young hospitaleros at Casa de Peregrinos de Emaus
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