I had almost a full day to rest and sight-see in Burgos since the bus to Santo Domingo de Silos did not leave until 5:30 pm. After morning Mass at 8:30 am and then breakfast together, Szilvia, Bradforde, Anne, and I went our separate ways to spend the day (Szilvia wanted to see the Cathedral, Bradforde the Human Evolution Museum, and Anne wanted to check into another albergue). I chilled at a cafe and then went tapas- / pinchos-hunting around the city. The selection of small plates was extensive and creative; many priced reasonably at 1.50-2.00 euros per serving. I also had a glass of sangria (for 1.50 euros) to cool off but it made me sleepy.
Szilvia, Bradforde, and I met up again at the bus station and bought a ticket each for 6.45 euros to Santo Domingo de Silos. After several stops at small towns, we arrived in Santo Domingo de Silos at about 6:30 pm and then checked into the Santo Domingo Hotel across the street (Calle Sto. Domingo) from the Monastery. A 2-bed room cost 34 euros (or 17 euros per person); an extra bed, 16 euros. After days of traveling on bare minimum, it was pure luxury for me to see towels, shampoo, and soap in the bathroom, linens, covers and blankets on beds, and a TV (we watched the US vs. Belgium World Cup game at night) in the room. It felt so good to be able to sleep at one place for 2 nights.
We made it to the 7 pm vespers at the Church of San Sebastian. I thought it was a simple service with divine singing. The monks were undoubtedly spiritual and in a state of grace. They donned their black habits (with the hoods down) and most had glasses; many of them old. None had a tonsure do though some were bald from age.
At the hotel restaurant, I met Victoria (a native of Santo Domingo de Silos who now lives in Andorra, in northeast Spain) who informed me that the town was going to celebrate the Feast of St. Isabella the next day. She said the town had been in existence for over 1,000 years and it now has a tiny population of 300. She's such a bubbly and vibrant lady.
Above right (from left): Anne, Bradforde, and Szilvia
Above right: Your humble pilgrim at the Burgos Cathedral
Above right: My day off = sandals on (boots off)
Above left: My second breakfast at Caesar Cafe ~ 3 euros for all that (so good)
Above left: Bola de morchilla con puree de manzana ~ blood ball (ick!)with apple puree; one bite and I spit it out, no thank you very much; Above right: Our bus to Santo Domingo de Silos
Above right: These ladies were so adorable! They were seen playing cards and when they saw us in the bus, they got up and waved!
Above right: Arriving in Santo Domingo de Silos
Above: Inside the Church of San Sebastian, the monastery parish
Above right: Victoria with Szilvia
Above left: A local specialty, sopa castellana
Above: Kids dressed up to dance and welcome a top monk from the monastery
Above right: What luxury it was to lie down and watch TV from the bed (after days on the Camino)!
Previous post: Day 17 - Burgos (June 30, 2014)
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