As the French say it, “Naturel.”
Exploring after a day’s walk.
The only dilemma of the day was deciding to back-track 1/2 mile downhill to begin at the official start of the Arles Route. Is there any question I would not begin at the beginning?
Could there be a more tranquil place then the cloisters? Perfect symmetry and proportions calm the senses. Whereas, cathedrals alert the senses.
The Romans may have known how to build to last; but , the French know how to cook with beauty and taste.
This begins the third year of walking the Camino and blogging The Way.
My backpack on departure weighed 15 pounds excluding water.
The anniversary of Saint Frances’ death is a huge religious and civil affair. The historic district is filled with priests and nuns. Military guards are posted at every corner. I stood with the “common folk’ in front of the Basilica viewing the mass on a “Jumbo-Tron” screen while religious and civil heads of state filled the basilica.
Cammino Di Assisi in 15 days:
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th MY FAVORITES
The throbbing sound of the beating drums drew me up stairs, through allies, under arches, along lanes to a gathering in the piazza honoring the anniversary of Saint Frances’s death. What a marvelous ending to a 168 mile walk!
Dinner with my favorite Italians. We have been playing “telephone tag” keeping contact over the past days. They telephone me and I find the nearest translator. People are so kind to me as I am limited to English.
Linda Scandore 