Buddy

Today is a rest day for me in Burgos. After 12 days of routine (getting clothes ready, packing bags, is my credencial stamped etc.) it felt a little strange not to have the alarm go off in the morning and to face the routine of eat, walk, sleep and repeat. The repetition becomes a comfort. I spent the day sightseeing, catching up on sleep and making sure my clothes had been laundered. Thank heaven for fully clean clothes.

Earlier this evening, I went to the evening mass at Burgos cathedral, after which a pilgrims’ benediction was given. Looking round the congregation, I was able to recognise a number of fellow pilgrims that have travelled at around the same time as me over the last 12 days. The service was moving, despite being entirely in Spanish and it was humbling to recognise that I was in receipt of a blessing that has been bestowed on millions of pilgrims that have passed this way over the last nine centuries.

On a lighter note, I had a little giggle to myself as the priest turned to fetch the communion wine from a cupboard at the bottom of the altarpiece. The incongruity of this task against the sheer scale of the altarpiece made me think of a Dave Allen sketch (this is only likely to strike a chord with British and Irish people of my generation and above – so I apologise to those of you left scratching your heads).

Earlier in the day I met Peter and his dog Buddy. They have both walked from St Jean over the last 11 days. Buddy was sleeping in the sun whilst Peter had lunch outside the cathedral. He explained that they had only had to sleep in a tent twice in the 11 days and that Buddy was a hit wherever they went. Peter also carried an extra five kilos of dog food for Buddy. I can imagine the joy and special bond that these 2 have built up over this time. As they continued on the day’s journey, I watched Buddy walking beside Peter, tail wagging until they disappeared from view.

Burgos is the end of the first stage of the Camino and many pilgrims suspend their journey here to return at a later time. I start walking again tomorrow, beginning the journey across the Meseta until I reach Leon.

Buen Camino