Day 12: Reflection in Burgos
- Zach Prior
- Dec 3, 2024
- 5 min read
Today I took a day off from the trek and chose to explore the city of Burgos more closely. I was not disappointed by everything I discovered! This post will be much more thought-provoking and less travel-this-travel-that.
Although many of my pilgrim friends have moved on to the next city, I already knew many which arrived in Burgos from yesterday’s flock. This is because of back when I took a rest day in Pamplona.
The first place I explored was the majestic cathedral of Burgos. It was €5 to get in, but from what I saw in there, it should have been more than that. They had this audio guide for everything in the Cathedral, including its history, who was involved in the making of it, and all sorts of fascinating info. I caught yet another glimpse into what life was like for my ancestors in the distant past.
Nobody could every fully understand the amount of work put into cathedrals like this, myself included. I read it was first built back in the 13th century! Of course, there have been many reinforcements since then, but there are major parts of the cathedral that have maintained their original form, such as the statues carved on the entrance to the Cathedral.
Kings would command the construction of cathedrals like these, then it would go through the French architects, then the stonemasons would get involved, and then the carpenters and the painters of the enormous altars would follow. It took many hands over the course of many years to construct something as grand as glorious as this.
After exploring the cathedral, I wandered around the city for a while. Simply taking in the sights, sounds, and people. Seeing these large buildings with old stone foundations from the past with hundreds of years of history is something I’m not used to.
But as far as the people are concerned, it’s very similar to any big city in America. The only major difference is the language. Besides a few minor exceptions everything else is essentially the same. People walking to work. Everyday jobs. I saw bakers, financial counselors, doctors, tour guides, construction workers, bartenders, businessmen, bus drivers, you name it. I saw mothers and fathers with kids in tow. These well-meaning people exist in all parts of the world and are just trying to make a living. I also saw a beggar. And a drunk. And some smokers. People I wouldn’t exactly trust with my back turned. They too exist in all parts of the world.
It got me thinking. This isn’t normally something you’d see written on a travel blog, but I want to write it anyway. Work is absolutely an essential part of life. If you want to make a living, you’ll have to work. That’s a fact. That’s how society operates. That’s how cities are built and economies created. That’s why there’s always such a big push go to college and get a degree so you can get a career and a house and settle down and live a routine life.
If everybody all at once decided they were done working and wanted to travel around the world for a while, then society would collapse. There would be no more bread to eat in Europe. All the bakers and restaurant workers would be on break. If all the airline pilots were gone on vacation, I wouldn’t be able to get back to the US unless I take a boat. Oh yeah, the ship captains are on vacation too. I guess I’m stuck in Europe.
Do you see the point I’m trying to make here?
One day in the future, I will settle down, have a family, and get a career going. Contribute to society and all that jazz.
BUT! Too often we fall into routine and mindlessness. I think everybody could do with a little bit more of travel and getting out of the comfort zone. To learn more about the world and its wonders. To develop independence, self-reliance, and confidence. To expand horizons and gain a broader understanding of things. At least, that’s why I’m traveling. I want to MEET people, not lay on a sunny beach all day (although I do understand the appeal for other people who just need some time off to relax).
Heck, today I went to a Catholic mass and met a real Catholic priest. He was such a nice guy! All of them I’ve talked to thus far have been so kind and seem to be full of light. I’m learning more and more about Catholicism, bit by bit.
I find general religion fascinating. Because I truly believe that God exists, and that we are down here on Earth for a reason. But I think God is bigger than we can ever comprehend. With all these various religions across the globe claiming to hold the only truth, how can I know which one God is truly with? And never mind that, what about the American Indians who had no idea who Jesus was? Will they be sent to hell for it?
No. If the God I know is truly all-knowing and perfectly just and merciful, then I don’t think it’ll matter what circumstances you were born in or what religion you joined. There are amazing people from every kind of religion and culture. It doesn’t matter if you are Buddhist, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Lutheran, or Mormon. God will judge what’s in your heart.
But at the end of the day, that is my opinion. Take it as you will, whether you agree or disagree.
The more I travel the world, the more I can expand my understanding about God and the inner workings of the human spirit.
Enough religion talk, though. Back to the story.
I kept wandering around the city and eventually discovered this large staircase leading up a hill into some trees! It turned from dense city to a nice forest just like that. It turned out the hill I discovered was quite large. It was a beautiful climb up the stairs. When I finally reached the top, to my amazement, I discovered a look-out point with a view of the entire city! It was my favorite discovery of the day. There were other people up there, and I spoke with a few of them. I met a journalist, a biologist, and some university students. It’s amazing the things you can learn when you talk to people.
If you’re reading this and you’re thinking, “Wow, I wish I had the confidence to talk to strangers” or “I wish I could get out of my comfort zone” or “I wish I had the confidence for ______.” Let me tell you a secret. A lesson I’ve learned.
It’s not about “confidence.”
It’s about perseverance.
“Confidence” implies a character trait that somebody is born with. You’re either confident or you’re not. If that’s true, then don’t call me confident. I used to be quite socially anxious. I’ve just been pushing past my fears and my comfort zone for a long time. Heck, I still get nervous every now and then when I approach new people. But I do it anyway, even though it’s scary.
Confidence is something that is developed over time and with effort. It that’s something you seek, which I know there has to be at least one person reading this who does, just start today. Do that exact thing which makes you nervous. Talk to that girl. Or that guy. Or that group of people that looks fun to hang around with. Will you feel like a fool while doing so? Maybe. I certainly did. If I can do it, so can you.
Tomorrow, I’m really going to continue on to the next city this time. I’m coming ever closer to Santiago de Compostela!
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