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  • 406. Resting before Siena; Resting in Siena

    Resting takes many forms. The views walking from Monterregione to Siena are glorious. Pleasant hillsides. Farmers tilling their ground. Nearly two-thirds to Siena, a kind man has made a “Welcome… Read more

  • 405. Signs and Scenes along the Way

    Finding the Via Francigena is generally not difficult. The various local friends of the Via Francigena try to maintain trail markers. Or, sometimes there are more noticeable markers in the… Read more

  • 404. San Gimignano: A Typical Pilgrim and More

    In my past long-distance walks, I blend into the pilgrim scene. Some pilgrims walk further and faster. Other pilgrims walk fewer miles and more slowly, often because of a bad… Read more

  • 403. Lucca: History and More History

    Lucca, a Roman founded city, is an unanticipated gem. A city that simply allows one to feel as though one is living centuries ago. I have a rest day in… Read more

  • 402. My First Fellow Pilgrims

    Pontremoli! My nights lodging at the Church and Convent of the Cappuchins is sufficient. A bit minimalist with no heat and no breakfast coffee. Still, the kindness is appreciated and… Read more

  • 401. Rome and Trains: A Ragged Start

    Rome. It is amazing when the first few days of a trip proceed as smooth as silk. No hitches. No train flubs. No health issues. Ideal. Well…my start isn’t as… Read more

  • 400. Who is Siegeric of the Via Francigena?

    Siegeric is famous for his return trip itinerary from Rome to Canterbury. As a newly selected Archbishop of Canterbury, he, like other newly named Archbishops before him, travelled to Rome… Read more

  • 226. Back Home

    I’m back home. Yeah! I love traveling, but returning home is especially comforting. No more finding a new hostel, hotel, or bnb. No more wandering around trying to find a… Read more

  • 225. Portugal Remembering Its Colonial Past

    Portugal has statues honoring individuals who were colonizers. Like Kolkata’s Victorian Memorial, these statues and memorials always seem a bit out of place. A few words about Portugal’s colonizing history,… Read more

  • 224. Return to Lisbon

    I’ve finished the Camino Portuguese. Along with Mary, I’ve toured the Porto region and visited Fatima. We’ve returned to Lisbon before our flight. A wonderful city! Especially after I don’t… Read more

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