Day 0 (March 26) – Back to Burgos

Last year, I started my Camino at St Jean Pied de Port on the French side of the Pyrenees. I walked from there through Pamplona to Burgos. Now, Burgos will be my starting point.

I will end on 15 April (our taxes have been filed) at Melide. Why there and not Santiago? I have been to Santiago twice, the last time when I walked the Primitivo where that route joins the Frances at Melide. The segment from Melide to Santiago was overrun with walkers, many of whom started in Sarria which just outside the 100km requirement to qualify for a compestella (the certificate attesting that you have completed a Camino in Santiago). I will be walking with many from Sarria to Melide. But that length is enough.

So begins a 300 mile journey through the Meseta, Leon, the Cantabrian mountains of Asturias, and into the heart of Galacia. With this Camino, I will complete the journey of the Camino Frances across northern Spain.

My first task was to secure my Camino credential. The city of Burgos operates a pilgrim center that includes an albergue that rents beds – cost 10 euros – renovated within a centuries old building.

About 200 meters down the road is a metal sculpture of a pilgrim. It stands adjacent to the Burgos Cathedral – a massive Gothic church – that is a World Heritage site. I toured the cathedral last year. A must two hours when one is in Burgos.

I returned to the Hotel Cordon which is located just outside the historic zone. I took two photos of the room to give you a sense of the typical “standard” room that Camino Ways, my tour company, books. I’ll add other room photos if the rooms are significantly above this level. The room and bathroom are very clean. My room is at the back of the building. No view but really quiet.

After unpacking, I took a stroll in the modern section of Burgos. What struck me was that almost all of the structures were large apartment buildings but with plenty of green space especially within a complex. A river runs into the center city. A pleasant place to walk. Another observation – drivers stop for pedestrians in crosswalks which are marked after intersection. Very safe to walk here.

After the walk, I decided to stay in the hotel — to catch up on sleep and have a minimal meal (nuts and raisins) after the various meals and beer and wine I enjoyed in the airport lounges and on Air Canada (excellent carrier). I even saw 1.5 episodes of Ted Lasso, Pilot, and Season 1. Will be binging on TL when I get back.

Day 1 (March 27) begins this Camino. Thanks again for joining me on this one.