The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they arena crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honourably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
Meet them at the door laying and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

Rumi,

The Guest House by Rumi seemed appropriate during today's walk. Last night in the albergue in Burgos was the first reminder I have had of dormitory life I have had in a very long time. This is something that had concerned me before coming to walk the Camino but for the past 12 nights it was perfect. However tonight was party night in Burgos, it was festival time! And I was here in a dormitory of about 60 pilgrims with lights out at 10:30, which was fine. Until the fireworks started about 11, the noise alone almost shook the albergue. I had to get up and have a look at what was going on. The fireworks display was magical, yet I felt trapped in this domitory. I felt claustrophobic and really wanted to leave, but leave to where. The fireworks display continued for about an hour but the party continued all night. Sleepless in Burgos! All the things about being in the city, the domitory were racing in my head. It's a strange feeling being in a room full of people yet still being alone!
I was glad to be getting at 6am and getting on the road, leaving the domitory, leaving the city!
I walked with Farmer John for a while coming out of the city. He spoke of the fireworks and how the very sound of the firework explosions reminded him of his marine days! The explosion sound of the fireworks made the hair on his back stand, the hair on the back of my head also was standing! I decided to head off on my own and welcome whatever guest came. It was a very tough 20k but a very rewarding walk! I was glad of the time on my own and to get to know the guests, some of which I was able to wave goodbye.
The bigger group congregated at the 20k point for lunch, with only 5 of us electing to go on a further 12k. Adam, Kristin, John (USA), Anny Sandra (Canada) & myself. I walked this 12k at a leisurely pace as the sun was now a highest. The country side is now fairly open, with little shelter from the sun. I am told to expect this to get worse over the next few days as we head into the Meseta - the 'Spanish desert'.
The village of Hontsnas is very pretty, hidden away in little valley! On the way in there is a monument to St. Bridgit, I'm well impressed. We book into an albergue called St. Bridgit's, they reckon Bridgit was Swedish and the the first woman to walk the Camino. I will have to do some more research!!
After the usual shores we go for a lovely Spanish meal, afterwards we go the the pub. We have a little sing song, French, Irish, American and Irish songs. We somehow manage to get in before the 10pm curfew!!

Buen Camino