It appears that my visa extension will go through without any problems, but I have to wait until Thursday here in Burgos for a stupid signature on my passport. That just means I get a little extra time to tour in Burgos and I will arrive in Barcelona a little later than planned.
Staying put in Burgos is drastically different from being on the go, and although sharing with a family, sleeping in a real bed, and having redy access to food and internet are wonderful, the body yearns for the simplicity of cycling. The discomforts of the road become familiar: the diet of bread, bananas, and water; the feel of the skin after so much sun and sweat; wearing spandex shorts, a polyester jersey, and a helmet; sleeping in a tent; speaking only to total strangers and for very little time. Combined, these factors insulate you by making you self-sufficient and very different from other travelers. At the same time they open you up to experiencing people, places and things in a very personal manner because what you see, feel, and touch stays primarily with you, in your head, without the immediacy of sharing the experience as it happens. The time that lapses between the experience and when you are able to share it allows for reflection and for an opportunity to develop a certain depth to the experience.
The next two days I will have to focus on not letting the change of pace get to me. Today I felt displaced, maybe also a little food-logged after a Sunday feast, and more than a little tight and sore after 2000km in one month. One month after my arrival, I have yet to hit some of Burgos's best attractions, so I will devote the next two days to this.
Until next time, enjoy some new photos!
1 comment:
Cat,
The picture of you at the summit is donnish. Did you use the camera's timer to take the picture or did someone else take it for you?
K/W
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