Departure brings a rush of emotions. Leaving the familiar. Encountering a long planned destination with all its unfamiliarities. Our trio of friends wish each a bon voyage at the train station for our own destination.
The Basilica di Santa Croce is one of the principal churches of Florence. The austere interior, stupendous in size, creates a calming effect. The wooden ceiling with elegant simplicity seems to magnify the height of the church. It contains the tombs of Michalangelo, Dante, Galileo, Nd Machiavelli.
Hot chocolate break. The drink was so thick and rich it tasted like liquid Pot Au Chocolate. The cafe had a wonderful collection of expresso pots. Italian have such a sense of design.
The Italians are the best part of Italy…gatherings grapes.
Blooms…
Having traveled by car, two trains, bus, and foot I arrived at Dovadola flawlessly thanks to Vieri’s guidance. The refuge is comfortable though my room has a low ceiling. The six Brazilian and one German have taken the other room as they fear bumping their heads. That leaves me with a private room for 8€. All share in the excitement of walking the Camino.
Sitting on the roof top with the a gentle breeze. Listening to the chelloist in the piazza whose only competition is the basilica bells.
July 6, 2014
Post-Camino
Monteriggioni
After two years of planning, I join Vieri at his wonderful Tuscan home. The home we are staying out was formerly a barn he and his wife converted. Here we eat well, enjoy the mountain view, and are entertained by the cats.
Day 82, June 27
19 miles, 1,034 miles
Altitude: ? feet (? feet daily high)
Weather: overcast, sunny with clouds, misty rain; 65-70F
Muxia
Those in the know
Have Brierley in tow.
John Brierley is the author of the English speaking Bible for the Camino, A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago, How refreshing it was to use a variant Brierley did not promote. Without his endorsement, there were only a couple other pilgrims along the well marked way from Olveiroa to Muxia. The cafés lacked the imprint of heavy pilgrim traffic.
Linda Scandore 