I woke up at 3 am (not by choice) but couldn't fall back asleep. Instead I caught up on my writing. I woke Julie up around 0730 to ready her bags for pick up. We both showered and packed up in less than an hour and I was secretly impressed by us. It has become a well orchestrated routine every morning. Knowing we had only 13kms to walk today, we lingered in our room and left later than usual. We walked from our place to the main Piazza and returned to the only bar in town. The gorgeous bartender was again working and looked just as handsome as before.
We bought mortadella, sliced cheese and chips for our lunch picnic from the small deli inside the bar and stayed to enjoy our coffee.
As we were leaving, I asked Donato if I could take his picture and he agreed. I left there with a big smile on my face. We made it about 30 feet before we stopped and devoured some of the mortadella and cheese. It was delisioso!
We walked out of town on the main road and were lured down a lane by signs for wine.
Luckily it was also the path we were meant to be on. We came to another old house that stood alone among the trees and vineyards. No one seemed to be there but a sign said open and again lured me with wine.
I walked around back and an older woman sat talking on the phone. She hung up quickly and spoke to me in Italian but my translator was at the front waiting. She kindly unlocked her door for us and invited us in to her winery. She sold jewelery as well as wine and we made some small purchases. She even had the pilgrim passports for sale so we no longer have to share! We continued on to a farm with horses and a few cows.
I saw a few in a field and one just lying on his side and I asked Julie if that's how horses sleep. She said "I don't know, I thought he was dead" so I stood there staring at him until he moved. In truth, it was a stall tactic as we faced a very big climb.
Julie saw the hill ahead, stopped at the bottom looking up ... and gave me her usual "Are you fn kidding me? Like really??" If you know Julie, you can probably hear those words coming out of her mouth. Julie calls my office from hers daily back home for information or work related support. She started climbing the hill and said, "when we get home and I call the OR, I'm going to ask to please not speak to Jenine. In fact I'm going to block you and we're done." She probably curses me until she gets to the top of every hill muttering death threats hahaha.
Instead of saving our energy we spent most of it laughing at how much she hates me in the moment.
Then at the top after we caught our breath, we started talking about our families, our children, past loves and broken dreams.
It was a day for reflection and some serious topics. We had some heartfelt conversations and actually learned quite a bit about each other.
We had a lovely picnic at a Sanctuary and easily devoured the remaining mortadella, cheese and potato chips.
It has been hot and sunny everyday and it is draining our evening energy. We met pilgrims from France today, an older couple, and Julie impressed me by speaking in French. We didn't get their names but we saw them on the trail, in town and ended up at the same restaurant for dinner. We didn't see Anna or Stefano either today on the trail but thought of them both.
Though a short distance today we took our time and didn't have much sunshine left in the beautiful town of San Gimignano.
Every street makes you feel like you have traveled back in time. There are towers everywhere and unique shops and butchers selling salami made from wild boar.
We walked around after dropping off our gear. We watched the sunset and bought some Gelato because Julie needed her fix.
I was aching for wine but without the sun's warmth on a patio, the chill crept in and it became uncomfortably cold here at night. After waiting for the restaurants to open at 7, we found a place with gluten free options and had a fabulous meal. Julie had minestrone and loved it and we shared a plate of pasta with mushrooms and a risotto with artichokes. And of course a delicious wine.
Today was a short, leisurely day but with so many hills.
I'm running out of fuel from not sleeping enough and I've had a sore throat all day... I hope it's gone when I wake up.
I haven't been sick since before covid. For 3 years, not even a cold. I haven't ruled out allergies though because it is spring. I will keep you posted.
Buona Notte xx
No comments:
Post a Comment