Burgos

  

I tried not to start my camino with any assumptions. I expected it to be challenging in ways I couldn’t anticipate. I hoped to meet interesting people along the way. I had no idea of the wonderful comradery between pilgrims. Richard and Patricia, who I had seen on the trail for the past few days coordinated a dinner last night and it has been one of the highlights of the trip so far! We met in front of the cathedral. Himey, a pilgrims in the group, was familiar with Bergos and was excited to share its culinary treasures. We started the evening at a small bar with big plates of potato with a delicious garlic cream sauce, steamed muscles and cold beer. The black and white tile bar had a stainless steel trough running its length on the floor with the specific purpose of collecting shells, napkins and the toothpicks generated while consuming the amazing food. Conversation was in Spanish, English, German and French but smiles and laughter are universal and contagious. Patricia and Himey coordinated our next stop of the evening via cell phone and our group was off through packed city streets to a restaurant specializing in Cordero (Lamb). Food on this trip has divided into two categories. The first is simple food for fuel, like a tin of sardines and a couple of yogurt for 1st breakfast. The second would be the unique and well prepared meals I’ve had. I’ve been fortunate that many meals have been in both categories! Dinner last night was a whole different level. The decor was a really cool 1970s vibe steakhouse with lots of heavy carved dark wood, but nicely set against a bright clean background. We shared an appetizer of anchovy with red pepper on puff pastry. I love anchovy, and they were amazing! The lamb was served in large wooden bowls family style with a simple plate of lettuce and sliced raw onion. The lamb was expertly roasted and cut into large chunks. The seasoning was very simple and delicious. The textures are what stole the show. Crispy contrasting fall apart tender, simple and amazing. The complexity came with the wine pairing. This was a “sommelier rocked it” pairing. Amazing on its own, but to a new level paired with the meal. We sang Patricia happy birthday loudly and in four languages. I was amazing by the energy of a group that started the day at 5:00am and had hiked 15 plus miles! By 11:00 the city was still winding up, but pilgrims need rest and we said goodbyes and headed for hotels.  

I slept in, waking up at 6:00. I watched pilgrims walking out of town from my window seat at the hotel breakfast. I went to the bus station and purchased my ticket for Leon. I also got a haircut, I wish I could had gotten a photo as I was the only male in the shop and also the only person under 60. It’s a very nice haircut. I went to the supermarcato and picked up food for the next couple days. I completely shot my budget on the feast last night! The cathedral was amazing and it’s the first time I’ve listened to all the audio tour stops in a museum – 28!!!!. Relaxing and educational. Toured an art museum and another church and called it a day. Watched some Big Bang theory on my iPhone. Soaked in the tub for about an hour. Leisurely morning tomorrow, then a 4 hour bus ride to Leon. A quick night in Leon and I’m a pilgrim again till Santiago!