Day 15 walking. Met two helpful men today in Burgos 6 May

Toooooo helpful indeed.

We were walking into Burgos today, and according to the guide book there are several ways to enter the city. Some walking along roadsides and through industrial areas - not portrayed as attractive options. Alternatively, you can skirt the airport, through a village, and then follow the river along walking/cycling trails. No prize for guessing which one we took, and it was definitely the 'road less travelled' by pelegrinos anyway.
 

A massive haystack.

We worked out that we had more than likely passed the industrial areas, and decided to venture away from the river, into the streets, and hopefully catch a glimpse of some of the other city sights. Hadn't got far from the river when an elderly local asked if we were on the 'camino de Santiago'. Well I think that was what he asked. When we replied that we were, he started telling us we were going the wrong way.... Go back to the rio. I think.

Then another younger man joined in, also telling us to go back to the rio and follow it until we could see the cathedral. Showed him our guide book, and he indicated where we were on the map.... No way, we were much closer to the centre than that. But we accepted their advice, turned away from the yellow arrow and large shell we could see just a little further up the street, and returned to the river. And just to make sure we didn't get it wrong, the older man escorted us back to the river!!!!! Very helpful indeed.

Of course, they were right. Our guide book also showed the path going all the way into the city, but we wanted to see some of the city sights too, so a few blocks further along, we once again detoured away from the river, up a couple of blocks and there were our familiar yellow arrows and shells. Woohoo

The start of the day's walking was quite beautiful, but the entry into Bugos was not spectacular, even along the river.

But there was more to Burgos. I had seen pictures of a magnificent cathedral, and it didn't disappoint. It is spectacular, and impossible to fit in a photo.

Our hostel is quite near the cathedral, a modern building behind an ancient facade. When we arrived, there was quite a queue waiting to be registered. As is often the case, boots off before we go upstairs. We are on level 2 so our boots are in cupboard no 2.

It really takes a bit of getting used to 'siesta time'. Most shops, including bars and even some restaurants close between 2 and 5pm. Streets are deserted, then after 5, they come alive. People everywhere. We managed to get some lunch, -huge, delicious salad for me (and I ate the lot). Lex had one of the platos- 2 hamburger patties, eggs and fries. Eggs were served with many of the items on that menu - either fried or scrambled. Really wishing we weren't so hungry as the tapas from this place looked amazing.

Notes to self

• 20km  Atapuerca to Burgos
• Municipal albergue in Burgos is big, good facilities 5€ each
• Should have brought a pillowcase, many pillows have no cover. No cover on mattresses either.

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