In the previous post, I presented a number of black and white photos showing the natural world on and near the South West Coast Path. This post looks at some of the ways we have impacted that world. What would humans do without stones? Stones were used by humans to mark special, "sacred" sites. They …
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589. Destination, Rome and Sister Churches
My destination has been Rome. Emotionally, my own walk probably ended when I left Assisi. I had time to rest and reflect on my 40+ days of walking. While I started walking to Rome from Viterbo, I really wanted to reach Rome. Besides acquiring my Testimonium when I reached Rome, I knew that Rome had …
588. No Movement
I have moved from Aosta, south of the Alps, across the Po River Valley, over the Apennines, down Tuscany and Lazio to Rome. While primarily walking, I have taken trains and buses. I've even had several unexpected short car rides, two strangers driving me half-a-mile on my second day, a host's son driving me three-four …
566. Revisiting Lucca
A refreshing, low-key rest day in Lucca. The desire for such a day is strong. Managing each day, finding the trail, staying on the trail, wondering if I’ll be able to take a break on a bench or stone wall, searching for an open bar or cafe for lunch, managing an entrance into town, locating …
565. The Feet’s Perspective, Part 2
The nights lodging at Berceto is refreshing. When I have these feet resting level with the brain, whether it is ten minutes or ten hours, I feel better. The rest and another breakfast with two yogurts, an orange, and coffee, get me ready. The brain upstairs has always liked Thich Naht Hanh’s quote “Walk as …
564. The Feet’s Perspective, Part One
It’s my turn. I get to describe the two days walking to and over the Apennines. I want to let you know what it is like being feet and carrying a 200 pound fellow to the Passo della Cisa. Before the first day begins, I hear concerned chattering up in the brain. Bardone to Berceto …
563. Ms. Grandma “Mario” Colombo
I should pay attention to yellow flashing caution signals. Embrecht, an older Dutch guest, and I sit down for breakfast. Emmanuelle, our host, asks, “Would you like coffee?” We both smile and say “Americano.” I then add “last night, my toilet didn’t flush.” Embrecht then adds “And, my bathroom is flooded with water.” Yikes. Shrugging …
562. Visual Awareness
Visual awareness can be so pleasing. As I begin my ascent of the Apennines mountains, I have various collections of photos from my walk so far. Here is a collection about slogans, street and garden art, and sculptures. Although this section of the Via Francigena doesn’t have inspiring phrases from fellow pilgrims’ as along the …
561. Buildings, Piazzas, and Deserted Farms
Not every building Is a religious structure. Here are a few more photos of other buildings that struck me. In Pavia as in Sam Gimignano, there are extremely tall towers. In the Middle Ages and later, families used these to project wealth and status. These towers also provided protection, even protection from their neighbors. So …
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560. Meeting Danielo Parisi
I’m anxious. I’ve thought about the next day for months. Samwillie, my BnB host’s son, makes the phone call. “Si, si, 10 AM.” Contact with the legend! He agrees. Tomorrow, I’ll be able to cross the Po River in Danielo Parisi’s boat. Danielo has been transporting pilgrims across the Po River since 1998. While the …
Journeys: Explorations in Body, Mind, and Spirit 