9/30 Burgos

As we walked into Burgos yesterday afternoon, it was clear that the locals were definitely ready for some fútbol! It was quite an enthusiastic crowd that we came upon as we entered the downtown area of the city. Similar to what we would find when we step off the light rail near Target Field, the locals were arriving at the soccer stadium using all kinds of public transportation, and were heading to their favorite tailgating locations, or straight to the stadium, chanting and cheering as they walked. Pete and I walked on after taking in the scene. I did check back later, and in the end, Burgos and Granada wound up with a draw – 2 to 2. You’ll get them next time Blanquinegros!

Burgos is a beautiful city with cathedrals, parkways, and a vibrant city plaza that is filled with shops, restaurants, museums, and offices. The most famous cathedral in the city is called Our Lady of Burgos and it was begun in the 13th century and completed in the 15th and 16th centuries; once again, a cathedral worked on by craftsman who would never live to worship in it. This cathedral is on the UNESCO list of Heritage Sites, and it is easy to see why. The cathedral is enormous, featuring three stories of elevation, several chapels, paintings, choir stalls, tombs, stained-glass windows, and unimaginable tons of stones and architectural genius. The cathedral is currently undergoing some renovation, which must be enormously costly and difficult – not a project any building or grounds committee would take on lightly! As I looked up at some of the exterior renovation, I noticed a contrail from an aircraft. It made me wonder what those who labored so long and so hard on this cathedral would think of our world today and the changes those centuries in-between had brought?!

For you history lovers – Our Lady of Burgos Cathedral is also the resting place of El Cid, also known as the national hero of Spain. El Cid lived in the 11th century and was a Castilian military leader known for his part in the Reconquista, the centuries-long, complex battles of the Christian states to reclaim territory from Muslim rule. His name is a symbol of Spanish identity and heritage and his life is depicted in the epic poem “Cantar de Milo Cid,” as well as in books and movies.

Because it was a rest day today, we spent a lot of time strolling leisurely (a restful camino) through Burgos, enjoying the beautiful city, and sampling many different types of food. Tomorrow we will be back, heading forward on the path of the Camino de Santiago.