Burgos

Today was our second day in Burgos and the students were thankful that they did not have to pack up their bags first thing this morning.  They were also thankful for the time to get over their sunburns.  Almost everyone finished the hike on Thursday with sunburn on the backs of their legs.  They did not realize how intense the sun would be and how walking west all day would focus that intensity on the back of their legs!  Aloe vera all around for the last two days.  Tomorrow we are going to get an early start because the weather forecast is for sun and more sun.  The students never thought they would remember the misty, cool, rainy first days with such fondness. 

Before arriving in Burgos we made a visit to Atapuerca, the site of an archeological dig of great importance.  The students all donned hard hats and there were many photos taken, some of which we will post soon.  We had a great guide at the site who carefully explained all the discoveries and theories but it is generally believed that the remains of the oldest humans in Europe have been discovered there.  Once arriving in Burgos we visited the newly opened Museum of Human Evolution and got to see the actual fossils and bones recovered from Atapuerca. Today (Friday) we had a walking tour of the city of Burgos, a visit to a Renaissance art museum, and finally a tour of the beautiful Cathedral of Burgos.  Nick started the day off with a presentation about the cathedral and an important nearby monastery (where the women were in control for nearly 400 years) and Josh ended our time together with a presentation on El Cid - who is buried in the cathedral along with his wife (and possibly his horse but we aren't sure about that fact).

For those following along with our trip, we will start tomorrow at Fromista and end at Carrion de los Condes.  We will stay in an alburgue that is inside the convent of Santa Clara.  It rumored that the cookies produced by the convent are spectacular.  We will file a complete report soon.