Morning

I love early morning, and birdsong waking with sunlight. I love old houses with cool hardwood floors and open beam ceilings. We are in a palatial hotel in Villafranca de la Oca. (goose) there is a sword and finely wrought shield with knight etched in it on the wall. The stone walls are thick and cool, and a comfort after getting so dry, hot and dusty. Today we head into Burgos, the city of El CID. I don't care about the wars and battles, but am very interested in how people treat the Moroccan and Turkish people who have come here to work. The long history and social tensions between the cultures are currently being mulched as we move forward. The fields are meticulously farmed-- the red earth is deep and gorgeous here. Wheat and asparagus -- and vineyards. It is so beautiful, with patches of rapeseed-- bright yellow swaths in the green.