Dear Christine and Renee’.
We arrived in Burgos yesterday, Tuesday.
The Hotel Norte y Londres is as convenient, comfortable, and welcoming as ever.
I have unhesitatingly recommended it to pilgrims along the way, a few of which have chosen to be guests here instead of lodging at one of the many albergues here in Burgos.
Burgos is a town where one should pause, rest, and reflect.
Teresa is still managing the hotel. She greeted me and welcomed Britton as if we were dear friends, perhaps even family.
She still remembers you and me from 2013 and me from 2022. I commented to Britton that it is amazing that someone would remember us from just a couple of brief encounters over the years. His reply, “No it isn’t”.
Teresa pulled a few strings and arranged for me to have a massage today.
After we checked in, I left Britton to shower, rest, and connect with his friends and his family. I gathered up the laundry and was off to a nearby laundromat.
We were past due for clean clothes.
Monday and Tuesday have been very reminiscent of last days on the Camino. Christine, recall how often in the past we would turn a corner and virtually walk into dear people with whom we had made a deep connection.
On this Camino Britton has become his own person rather than walking in my shadow. He personally feels the momentary joy of these chance encounters, and upon parting the sadness of not knowing whether he will ever see these good people again.
The countries that these Camino friends represent include: The Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, France, New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Poland. There are others.
This is heady stuff for any adult let alone a 15-year-old.
Yesterday we toured the Cathedral.
The expression on Britton’s face said it all, awe inspiring. These few pictures hardly do the Cathedral justice.
The Papamoscas clock. A mechanical automaton that moves at the hour and quarter hours
Witek and Kasia, our Camino friends from Poland, are also staying here at the hotel. Kasia is trying to work through painful tendon issues with her ankle. At the moment further progress for them on the Camino is an unknown.
We met them at the Cathedral for our tour and later for dinner at a highly regarded restaurant near the hotel.
Our plan had been to enjoy dining on the outdoor terrace, but thunderstorms drove us inside. The rain did not depreciate the evening experience with these wonderful people.
When dinner concluded they would not let me pay. The dinner was their treat and gift to our friendship.
They have spent significant time on the island of Malta. Their description and pictures are captivating. I think that you and I should explore this as a future destination, perhaps even meeting Witek and Kasia there!
As I write this, Britton is enjoying sleeping-in for the first time on this journey. I am enjoying writing this with the day yet to unfold rather than burning the midnight oil and shorting myself on needed sleep. It is still strange for me to imagine that while it is 8:30 in the morning here it is 1:30 AM in Kansas City.
I wish you restful sleep and sweet dreams. Love to you both. Peace. Dad
PS. Sarah at Ultreia Osteopatia y Acupuntura here in Burgos gave me a wonderful and pain relieving massage. Thank you Sarah and thank you Teresa for making the appointment for me!
Liz says:
Good morning all – I am so glad to hear that you got a massage and a bit of acupuncture Pete. I have not had acupuncture but know many that have, and find great relief with it. I hope that is true for you! You know, I have dabbled in making stained glass in the past few years. Having accomplished a few small pieces (less than 12X12″) I am always in awe of the artistry and technique of the windows in even the simplest of church. The windows along the Camino have always taken my breath away. I particularly love even the clear glasswork that adorns so many of main towers – as you have taken a picture of.
I agree with Britton, of COURSE people remember you and Christine!! You both possess a light inside yourselves and a kindness of spirit and joy that is not run of the mill…faces may be fuzzy but spirits and intentions bring those back into focus.
BTW – thank you for the recommendation of this hotel – yowza – the digs are better than anything I have stayed at in Burgos!!
Stay groovy my friend(s) – blessings to all that lay their eyes on this. Tomorrow is a bright new promise and we never know what that will bring.
Pete Schloss says:
Thanks, Liz. I had a one hour massage, but there was no acupuncture with it. I think that would have required a different appointment that was not available.
Pete Schloss says:
I think I hit the send button too soon. I agree, the artistry in these cathedrals, Burgos in particular, is quite stunning. It’s difficult to appreciate the many lives that have been dedicated over the years to the creation of these monuments. Be well, my friend.
Pat R says:
Malta is beautiful! Check it out. Have enjoyed reading your adventures as it is interesting to see the trips others choose.
Pete Schloss says:
I will check it out. Thank you!
Sharon Gulley says:
That cathedral is spectacular! I believe I need to see Burgos. Let’s talk about Malta when we get together in August.
Pete Schloss says:
That would be great!