A Not So Ordinary Girl On An Extraordinary Adventure

Saturday, 7 September 2013

These last two days have been difficult. First of all it's super HOT!!! It's the kind of hot that I know from Toronto, the kind that's like a sauna and makes you break a horrible sweat even while sitting. Secondly the route is set along mostly roads with the cement giving off even more heat and absolutely no shade to hide my boiling body from the sun.

Since I'm still walking along mostly rice and corn fields mosquitos are consistently attacking me - though I've sprayed myself with repellant from head to toe. To top it all off, after almost two months of good service my insoles have decided to fall apart, giving me one last humongous blister before I threw them away and invested in a new pair at the local pharmacy.

Though I'm quite tired and ready for a change of scenery I still find architectural treasures here and there which make me smile and remember how lucky I am to be on this extraordinary journey:-)

Wednesday, 4 September 2013

Day 53 - Pavia

As I walked into the city of Pavia I knew that the evening would not be restful for I wanted to see all the sites.

Filled with beautiful churches and an amazing Cathedral that has the third largest dome in Italy I was in for quite a treat.

I also took the time to take in the grandeur of the Castello Visconte, which was once a private residence and is now home to the Musei Civici.

With it's medieval towers in the background Pavia is also home to one of the most ancient universities is Europe, founded in 1361 and still thriving today.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Neil Semer for his generous support. Your contribution helped me get and amazing night's rest in my very own room and my very own comfy bed in a lovely B&B in Pavia. I feel I've gotten some much needed beauty sleep and am ready for the tough days ahead, THANK YOU !!! :-)

Day 51/52 - The region of Lombardy

As I pass through never ending rice and corn fields I think of all those that have walked this beautiful route before me and I'm glad I have the privilege to walk in their footsteps.

I pass beautiful sanctuaries.....

...and towns that I would never otherwise visit.

I smile in gratitude knowing how lucky I am to be on this historical and sacred journey.

Sunday, 1 September 2013

Day 48/49 - ....now onto the region of Piedmont!

Though less trekking uphill this area pleases the eye greatly.

As I walk past of what still remains of the beautiful 11th century church "Gesiun", I think of all the turbulent times this area must have gone through and I'm glad I only have to put up with the odd barking of guard dogs.

In the lovely town of Cavaglia, I get to have this view from my room. It's a private castle owned by the Rondolino family......all I can say is WOW!!!

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Robin and Chuck Konkel for their generous contribution during my indigogo campaign. You've helped make this adventure come to life, THANK YOU!!!

Day 50 - Vercelli

Vercelli is said to be the rice capital of Europe and since rice grows in water ponds it's also the capital of millions upon millions of mosquitos who love to bite me whenever they get a chance! FYI to anyone wanting to visit this area .....bring lots of repellant otherwise be eaten alive;-)

Though not a fan of insects I must say that otherwise Vercelli made quite an impression on me....

with the beautiful Roman-Gothic basilica of St. Andrew .....

the piazza Cavour .....

and the the great Cathedral of St. Eusebius.

Day 46/47- Bard, Pont St. Marten & Ivrea

It's hard walking in the Valle d'Aosta, for there is so much beauty around me that I keep stopping and taking pictures which makes getting to my next destination that much more difficult.

The vineyards here are amazing, terraces upon terraces wind up the mountains, making me wonder what lengths these farmers had to go to to achieve such perfection in the mastery of wine making.