September 1, 2013 - 6 days into our Camino experience - time to cry - uncle - my blister was getting the best of me - time to take a break and give my foot a rest from the daily trekking. Burgos, Spain is a good sized city where we stopped a few days to see if I could get a handle on my blister. It was a big enough city that we could use the time to discover what Burgos had for visitors. Lord - we come before you seeking time to rest - time to heal - very appropriate many days - even this Lent.
Not Too Shabby Waiting Area in the Community Hostel
Here we met a few pilgrims - one lady who had traveled from Montana - against her doctor's advice - already scheduled for knee surgery. Here waiting for a bus to help return her home - wishing she had listened to her doctor. Any pilgrimage - best to take seriously any - all advice - helps to avoid bumps in the road
We also met an older couple in their 80s who were biking the Camino with battery powered bikes - the wife had a defective battery - had taken the bus here waiting for a replacement battery from Sweden their home bike dealer. Very friendly pilgrims. Inspired by their age and energy - positive attitude. Often in Lent when we feel like we are failing - need to seek those who can encourage us to continue - not surprisingly - they are all around us.
Walking through the gate - the first view of the Burgos Cathedral - very impressive - little did we know that we would return here 4 years later in 2017 and again in 2023 while leading a pilgrimage to Fatima - Lourdes. I was privileged to preach here during Holy Mass - adding to my list of giving a homily in an international church - a special blessing for a deacon.
One of many side altars
Besides all the altars and other religious artifacts - dozens of paintings. One special one - Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (c. 1040 – 1099), better known as El Cid - a Castilian nobleman and undefeated military leader in medieval Spain - during the golden age of the Templars.
El Cid
Outside the Cathedral area - a large garden area to walk - wander - sit and talk - pray - reflect - rest your sore feet. We visited this area a number of times while in Burgos - minutes away from our hostel.
Burgos garden area near the Cathedral
This garden - very near a running stream - very peaceful - very prayerful. In Lent special blessings when a restful place is discovered - helps to make prayer time special - seeking a quiet space to pray - always a benefit in Lent.
Buen Camino
Deacon Dale
