Decadence!

I have to begin this post with a big THANK YOU to all those who have sent emails and messages via the blog.  It is really appreciated.  I generally haven't had time to answer each individually, but know that I appreciate them.  Thanks again to you all.

I left this morning to go to the post office and post some things home.  No, I didn't come over here with too much, but one item was the wrong one - my raincoat.  I actually dithered as to which one to bring and dithered the wrong way!  I had to post the old one home (and the lining for my new one).

Consequently, I have had to lash out and buy a new one.  This is not wasted as it will hold me in good stead in the future, and most importantly it should keep me dry in the next three weeks of walking.  It is also designed better to keep me warmer in gale force winds.

I have been very decadent this afternoon!  When I got back from wandering around the city I was feeling quite cold and so as therapy I ran a very deep, hot bath, wallowing in it with a can of coke and a small packet of sugared almonds to give me sustanence, and with tablet tuned to ABC National! I also took the opportunity to wash my hair, in preparation for the 7 - 10 days ahead!

Clean hair has been an issue on this Camino.  I only wash my hair when I know I can dry it before going out.  As many of you know, I have a wash and wear attitude to my hair.  That works fine at home when on a 40degree day it is nearly dry before I am out the door.  Here though - different story!  If I went out with wet hair it would probably freeze, and then one would assume it would be prone to snapping off!  Now that wouldn't be a good look!  Thus, clean hair becomes a real treat!

Chemist's are a wonder - this is just one!

Now back to my wanderings around Burgos. In Spain I have always been struck by the evenings socialising by the locals.  A friend told me, on my first Camino, that the habit of going out each evening (usually well dressed) is called "dar un paseo" meaning to give a walk.  EVERYONE goes out - tiny wee babies, toddlers, children, teenagers and grownups of all ages,  meeting, chatting, playing, sharing stories over food and wine.  This is fine in the summer, but what about the winter?  Well I am delighted to report that it still goes on.  The difference is that the people tend to congregate in bars and stand in the street, instead of sitting in the squares etc.  They are rugged up against the cold, but the same energy and vibrancy is there as in the summer - great to see and be part of.  There is a real festive atmosphere in the streets in the afternoons and evenings. 

A view of the Cathedral across the river

The golden stairway in the Cathedral.

It's goal was to access the part of the Cathedral

eight metres higher on the other street.  This staircase was used as model for the opera in Milan.

some of the ornate stonework inside.

No explanation needed - gorgeous isn't it?!

Today I went on a tour of the cathedral again, as well as wandered the streets.  It is very cold, but the sun shines most of the time.  Last night there were quite heavy spells of rain, as I could hear it beating on my window pane.

Sorry, but I have to report some magnificent examples of pollarded plane trees here.  Bet you didn't know that word before - I didn't until I was doing my Diploma of Horticulture (hey - it is rude to laugh!).  The only place I know with pollarded trees at home is Hahndorf - the German heritage showing I guess.

Some of the pollarded trees look as if they have been trained into each other.

There are many delightful life sized statues scattered around Burgos.  Sometimes you get a real surprise when you come across them.  They sort of meld in with the people.

I am waiting for Jill to arrive.  She is a fellow Aussie who is going to walk the Meseta with me.  It will be nice to have some company.  Looking at the forecast we might get the first 2 days in without rain, snow maybe, but not rain!

The meseta is different to the path thus far and so don't be surprised if I am off line for a while.