Day 65 - Pietrasanta

After a long and cold walk in the rain we arrived in the beautiful city of Pietrasanta.

The streets were full of water but that didn't stop us.

Though wet and tired we took a moment and admired all the beauty that surrounded us.

Feeling like celebrities we walked through a picture frame that was set up for tourists at the entrance to the old part of the city :-)

As we walked down the beautiful cobbled streets we were happy that we had finally arrived.

As we entered the main square the beauty of the cathedral took our breath away.......

...then we noticed the statue of the soccer players ;-)

The next morning that very statue was removed which brought about lots of emotions since soccer is Italy's favourite and almost a religious like sport.

People came from every direction watching and commenting as it left the square.

We also had to say goodbye to our fellow Canadian pilgrim Jean -Pierre.....it was a pleasure :-)

Day 63/64- Have no fear Anuszka is here ;-)

After almost two months of walking mostly by myself, my amazing friend Ania has come to join me on this extraordinary adventure!

As you can tell from the picture I'm super excited to have such a great companion :-)

We're enjoying all the beautiful sites that we pass along the way and can't believe that we get to see such wonderful and unique places.

After two days of walking we were very excited to spend a day at the Mediterranean Sea......

.....unfortunately it was raining and that meant no bikini time for us ;-)

Day 61/62 - .....now on to the region of Tuscany

As I make my way into yet another beautiful region of Italy I realize I'm only 588km away from Rome. 

I walk across mountain tops and valleys......

medieval villages and fortified towns.....

.......so many beautiful landscapes around me I don't even know where to look.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Julie "sweet cheeks" So Young Kim for her very generous donation during my indigogo campaign, you've helped make this beautiful adventure a reality, THANK YOU!!!

Day 59/60 - ....rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna

The flat lands of the pianura padna are finally behind me and I can now enjoy the ups and downs of the  Appennines.

These last days have been filled with beautiful views and reminders of the millions that have crossed this path over the centuries.

The region also provided incredible architectural scenery that pleased both the eyes and the soul.

I also had the pleasure to spend some time with two awesome fellow pilgrims who filled my days with talks, laughs and memories that will last forever.

Day 58 - Fidenza

I arrived early in this beautiful town, knowing I wanted to experience as much as I could before heading off to my next destination.

As I walked through the Porte Romane I thought of all the pilgrims that had walked through them before me and how incredible it is that though centuries have gone by they are still there welcoming everyone that enters the city.

As I walked past the stunning Lombard-Romanesqe cathedral dedicated to St. Domninus of Fidenza, I noticed the apostle Simon Peter pointing in the direction of Rome, letting me know I'm steadily approaching the long awaited eternal city.

After a hot shower and delicious lunch I enjoyed the rest of the afternoon reading and relaxing on the beautiful piazza centrale, resting my tired feet before the long walk ahead.

Day 57 - The Cistercian Monastery - Abazzia Chiaravalle della Colomba

After a day of walking through corn fields and tomato farms this monastery was like a breath of fresh air. 

Though only four brothers reside here the monastery is booming with visitors and pilgrims alike.

Linked to the monastery in Clairvaux that I visited in France, my stay here makes me think of how intertwined the world really is.

Day 56 - Piacenza

A day of rest in this beautiful city was a must after the gruelling heat of the last couple of days.

As I walked around the city I was captured by the Piazza del Duomo...

......the Palazzo Gotico 

.......Basilica of Sant'Antonino 

......the old town walls 

.....and the Piazza Roma, which makes me realize how near I am to my final destination --> only 690 km to go!

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Laurie Hawn for the generous contribution made during my indigogo campaign. Your kind heart has helped this adventure become a reality, THANK YOU!!!