Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Day 16 – Rest Day, Sights and Surgery

Two pilgrims in front of the Catedral de Burgos. 
Magnifico! 

(The church or the pilgrims? Both, of course.)

All kidding aside, it is an awesome sight!

The pictures don't do it justice, 
which is why we took the next three videos.

This give you a little more flavor...

and a lot more viewing power...

but it still doesn't touch what it's like in person!

Check out the ceiling of this cathedral.

The craftsmanship is stupendous.

And don't forget to stop by the casket of El Cid.

Dave was so impressed that he forgot all
about his blister and just enjoyed the beauty.

See that? The man is feeling no pain!
(Well, maybe just a little...)

But this place is like good medicine.

And besides there are benches to sit on...
with St. James, no less.

Even Mikey wants to sit by St. James.
And his foot doesn't hurt at all!
Oops. Knocking wood right now. (Sue)

 We took the train to tour the city
but fell asleep. Should we admit that?

(Guess we really needed that rest day.)

 
Here's our friend, Nicki. We bumped into her 
after Dave's early morning foot surgery.

We also ran into Gill, of bedbug fame.
Sorry to say she is still suffering a bit.
Didn't get a photo, but it was good to see her.

Tomorrow we set out for Hornillos del Camino,
praying for wings on our feet...or at least Dave's.
(He could use them.)

Dave and Mike tell Dave's story:

Surgery with Dr. Boris, 
aka the Butcher of Burgos

Mike's observations:   This turned out to be more than a rest day for us. We saw Dr. Boris at Santa Clara Medical Center for surgery on Dave's blister. The good doctor analyzed the situation before summoning his assistant, Nurse Ratched, to do the deed. They held Dave down while they disinfected his foot, pulled out a fairly large needle (scared the crap outta me), and proceeded to pierce his blister in four or five places. By this time, Dave was white as a sheet. Every time they lanced the blister, they would squeeze hard (kinda like milking a cow) to get the liquid out. They covered the wound with a gauze-like material and put an adhesive over it. After discussing his wound care for the coming days (hilarious, because we couldn't understand each other's broken English/Spanish), we had no idea what to do. We are now in the hands of a loving Heavenly Father who will help Dave recover at the speed of the Camino, which is very slow. He still needs your prayers, because it is painful to walk on it.

Dave's thoughts:  As I said yesterday, we had a long trek into Burgos, and I knew I was pushing too hard to finish the sixteen miles, not stopping enough times to rest. I also waited way too long to change my socks. Lesson learned: Take your time and enjoy the journey. Don't push, because it might push back!

PS. Dave later texted to reassure me that he got the aftercare instructions down pat after all. Sure hoping he did, but I don't have much faith in his language skills, which are limited after four years of high school Spanish to: "Hola, Isabel. Donde esta la biblioteca?" This does not a good medical discussion make! (In all fairness, I'm pretty sure he knows gracias and adios, too.)  

Love you, Dave.

Click below to support mental health services
and read more about the cause Mike and Dave 
are supporting with their walk.
 

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