Tag Italy

The People of the Via Francigena

Reg Spittle 3 Comments

The Via Francigena has delighted us in its warmth, with recent days bringing us friendships.

Elena (in top photo) and her mother welcomed us to their 14th-century hilltop farm home and agriturismo with personal charm, a spacious apartment, and scrumptious meals.

We had dinner and trailside conversation with Renate and Herbert from The Netherlands, promising to reconnect in Rome. And we said goodbye (for now) to Luca, who is on his way home in northern Italy to resume his studies.

Meanwhile, we pause in Acquapendante today for a breather, leaving just eight days to Rome. And we hear we may be just in time for a big announcement when we show our pilgrim passports (filled with ink stamps documenting our journey) and collect our certificates in St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Via Francigena Shines and Challenges

Reg Spittle Leave a comment

Tuscany on the Via Francigena has made us work for moments like these.

This morning, I shot a view from our apartment window in the spectacular mountaintop village of Radicofani.

A trailside picnic was a treat for our eyes and taste buds.

We have shared good times with fellow trekkers, including Luca (on my left) and Lorenzo. Luca, a uni student from northern Italy, has been our friend for several days, but must go home tomorrow.

The weather has been bright and pleasantly warm. We have walked 131 miles in 11 days; nine days until we reach Rome.