Perugia was great & I did a guided walking tour of the old centre, a bus tour to Bevagne & a winery, then another bus tour to Gubbio, a medieval town, on my last day there. An enjoyable stay.
Assisi was & is amazing for me. I do enjoy that town so much, just the way I remembered it. This time I visited & saw much more as I had days not just one afternoon & night. The photos are all up on fb so I hope you have enjoyed them. St Francis & St Clare have always been special to me & I have visited many sites now connected with them. Also I did a fair amount of hiking in the woodlands around Assisi & up Monte Subasio. Finally my stay was over & I had to leave.
Cinque Terre - five colourful towns with hilly & coastal walking paths between. I'm staying in Corniglia, the central of the five & today I hiked first to Vernazza, took about an hour & a quarter, then went straight on to Monterosso al Mare as I had realised that that section was the more challenging. Thought I'd better not stop, lol. So I did it, v slowly & carefully. In a few short sections the path was only about 50cms wide with a drop on one side & the hill on the other. Oh, my fear of falling kicked in a lot today! But I got to Monterosso in about two & a quarter hours which was a respectable time. I did not hike back to Corniglia, I happily caught the train & bus. Tomorrow I will hike in the other direction but apparently can only go to the nearest town as the path is closed further on. That may be an easy day - I'll let you know later.
Life is certainly interesting. One of the staff at the hostel here has been to Australia & has a couple of pictures of Streets Beach on his phone. He was quite chuffed when I said I worked at Southbank, he said 'I've been there'.
Ciao
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Perugia & so helpful Italians
Perugia - I'm enjoying this maze/labyrinth of a town. It's a challenge getting to the right places at the right height. They do have this cute minimetro to go down to the newer parts of the town, no driver, lol. Tonight there's music coming in my window from 2 levels up. I was up there earlier, stopped to listen for a bit after a lovely tea in the centre.
Today I officially cast off my backpacker status. I purchased a cheap, wheeled suitcase, plonked my backpack & trekking pole in the base, & loaded my meagre belongings on top. I'll catch up with the rest of my things when I get to Assisi on Saturday arvo. I shall be pleased to have my little pacsafe backpack again. I've been burying my wallet at the bottom of my backpack & locking it up. I'm keeping my passport in my front pocket with my phone & carrying my iPad, keeping it close.
The Italian people I've met are v friendly & amazingly helpful. The first time I found that was when I got lost on the Cammino on my first day. All those people & the only one who had any English had to go soon after I arrived. They got me where I had to be marvellously.
The second time was on the bus coming to Perugia when the driver made an announcement & everyone started to get off the bus. The girl in front of me spoke English & told me the reason, all good, nothing wrong, & we talked a bit before we reached Perugia. She was a student studying Agricultural Science. She then said her parents were picking her up & would I like a lift to my hotel? Would I heck! So I travelled in style instead of walking there.
Then today I took a bus to a shopping centre about 50 minutes away to buy my new suitcase. I asked the shop assistant to explain where the bus stop back to Perugia was. While he was trying with even more limited English than my limited Italian, I felt a tap on my shoulder. A random girl in the shop had heard & asked if I wanted a lift as she was going up to the old town next! So once again a hassle free ride to my destination. Amazing! This girl was another student who had just come back to Perugia after an Erasmus exchange semester in Porto, Portugal. The very place I plan on going to next trip! She loved it there so that's a recommendation.
All is good, the temps are between 35-40c which I'm loving, people are friendly & I've found a restaurant called Merlin's that does a great chicken salad.
Ciao!
Today I officially cast off my backpacker status. I purchased a cheap, wheeled suitcase, plonked my backpack & trekking pole in the base, & loaded my meagre belongings on top. I'll catch up with the rest of my things when I get to Assisi on Saturday arvo. I shall be pleased to have my little pacsafe backpack again. I've been burying my wallet at the bottom of my backpack & locking it up. I'm keeping my passport in my front pocket with my phone & carrying my iPad, keeping it close.
The Italian people I've met are v friendly & amazingly helpful. The first time I found that was when I got lost on the Cammino on my first day. All those people & the only one who had any English had to go soon after I arrived. They got me where I had to be marvellously.
The second time was on the bus coming to Perugia when the driver made an announcement & everyone started to get off the bus. The girl in front of me spoke English & told me the reason, all good, nothing wrong, & we talked a bit before we reached Perugia. She was a student studying Agricultural Science. She then said her parents were picking her up & would I like a lift to my hotel? Would I heck! So I travelled in style instead of walking there.
Then today I took a bus to a shopping centre about 50 minutes away to buy my new suitcase. I asked the shop assistant to explain where the bus stop back to Perugia was. While he was trying with even more limited English than my limited Italian, I felt a tap on my shoulder. A random girl in the shop had heard & asked if I wanted a lift as she was going up to the old town next! So once again a hassle free ride to my destination. Amazing! This girl was another student who had just come back to Perugia after an Erasmus exchange semester in Porto, Portugal. The very place I plan on going to next trip! She loved it there so that's a recommendation.
All is good, the temps are between 35-40c which I'm loving, people are friendly & I've found a restaurant called Merlin's that does a great chicken salad.
Ciao!
Monday, July 20, 2015
Perugia
Italia is an awesome, beautiful country, so green, so lovely & warm! The variety of trees & greenery is amazing. Today on the bus I watched the landscape the whole trip, also passed multiple, multiple fields of sunflowers, I guess for the sunflower oil. (They reminded me of Noel's sunflowers out at Amberley.) Last time I was in Europe the 'in' crop then was the brilliant yellow of rapeseed for canola oil.
It's been mid-30's most days, at a guess, absolutely my style of weather. We all know I don't complain about the summer heat!
Anyway, a little oddity about the Cammino that I'm not doing. Two Italians walked through to Premilcuore who started about three days after I did. Weirdly they were offered English instructions at Dovadola & had to ask for Italian. They couldn't figure why until they heard my tale. Someone was covering all bases, lol. Those two were really nice & I had the option of getting to La Verna a few days further on & then continuing with them when they came through the town. Still a challenge elevation wise but at least I would be walking in the right direction. I think I was right to decide not though. Next time I'll do it right! Though they did say the Camino in Spain was less arduous, just start after the Pyrenees, lol.
I'm now in Perugia, a hilly city about 30 kms from Assisi. I'll explore the city centre tomorrow, work those hill muscles I've gained, & then on Wednesday do a morning walking tour (home-made chocolate) & a wine tour in the arvo. I'll go looking for parks again, they're such useful, friendly places.
I did try to put up more photos on fb last night but when I checked this morning they hadn't posted so I cancelled them. I'll try again.
Ciao!
It's been mid-30's most days, at a guess, absolutely my style of weather. We all know I don't complain about the summer heat!
Anyway, a little oddity about the Cammino that I'm not doing. Two Italians walked through to Premilcuore who started about three days after I did. Weirdly they were offered English instructions at Dovadola & had to ask for Italian. They couldn't figure why until they heard my tale. Someone was covering all bases, lol. Those two were really nice & I had the option of getting to La Verna a few days further on & then continuing with them when they came through the town. Still a challenge elevation wise but at least I would be walking in the right direction. I think I was right to decide not though. Next time I'll do it right! Though they did say the Camino in Spain was less arduous, just start after the Pyrenees, lol.
I'm now in Perugia, a hilly city about 30 kms from Assisi. I'll explore the city centre tomorrow, work those hill muscles I've gained, & then on Wednesday do a morning walking tour (home-made chocolate) & a wine tour in the arvo. I'll go looking for parks again, they're such useful, friendly places.
I did try to put up more photos on fb last night but when I checked this morning they hadn't posted so I cancelled them. I'll try again.
Ciao!
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Premilcuore
Premilcuore is a lovely, picturesque little town in the Apennine Mountains where I stayed for 4 nights. The refuge there is run by Carla who speaks no English but empathises well, lol. When I decided to give up the Cammino her son Manuel persuaded me to stay a few nights before returning to Forli. He is about the age of Jan & Simon I think, married to Marika with a 5 months old son Guido. They took me sightseeing in the evenings & I went on walks during the day & explored the town. Manuel was keen to practice his English, lol. They made my stay extremely pleasant.
Here in Forli I have been sightseeing in the mornings, back to the hotel for siesta, then out walking in the evenings. It is amusing to watch at siesta time as every shop & business goes through all the paraphernalia of closing up only to reopen about 3 hours later! As always I have found a couple of parks to visit, walk around, & sit at the cafes to people watch. I still think Spain has the best parks though! This has been a most relaxing time for me.
If the wifi is still reliable tonight I will post photos on fb. Otherwise I'm off to Perugia tomorrow for 5 nights.
Thanks to everyone for your encouragement & support. Btw, you can make comments on my posts you know.
Ciao!
Here in Forli I have been sightseeing in the mornings, back to the hotel for siesta, then out walking in the evenings. It is amusing to watch at siesta time as every shop & business goes through all the paraphernalia of closing up only to reopen about 3 hours later! As always I have found a couple of parks to visit, walk around, & sit at the cafes to people watch. I still think Spain has the best parks though! This has been a most relaxing time for me.
If the wifi is still reliable tonight I will post photos on fb. Otherwise I'm off to Perugia tomorrow for 5 nights.
Thanks to everyone for your encouragement & support. Btw, you can make comments on my posts you know.
Ciao!
Friday, July 17, 2015
Cammino di Assisi
Well, the Camino di Assisi started slightly inauspiciously. I found Don Alfeo at the Dovadela Refuge & registered my presence etc, & was given the promised detailed maps & instructions for following the Cammino. In Italian! Apparently he had no English instructions. That was rather daunting to say the least but I decided to write out each day's instructions in a handy notebook (thanks Annalisa!) from an email I was sent by the Cammino some months ago.
The 1st day I was walking well until I became unsure of the way. The last Cammino sign I had seen was kilometres back. Then I hit a main road not in the instructions so stopped at a restaurant to ask the way. I was about 10km in the wrong direction! With the help of the people in the restaurant, 2 friendly bus drivers & a random man who gave me a lift I reached the 1st refuge. I had a good night there, nice family, good meal, & slept well. Optimistic me!
I set out on the 2nd day walking well, climbing well, a bit steep but I could do it, reached the summit, took some photos & then descended that mountain. I was a bit worried about the next as it was a much higher climb. Then I found that I was a lot too slow on the 1st one, arrived at the first stop about 2 hours late. I had got lost twice but just about .5km each time, not so bad. I decided it would take way too long to climb that next mountain at my speed so I cheated & got a ride to the next refuge! Which according to my instructions was near a statue of Padre Pio. Which it wasn't! Finally found the refuge with a lot of help, totally somewhere else, & with my confidence in the instructions shattered decided to stay an extra night.
I had found my backpack was way too heavy, about 11kg, totally my fault & main reason I was slow, so I posted about 5 kg off to Assisi to the hotel I'll be staying at there. Helpful lady at the Post Office rang the hotel to expect & hold the parcel.
Some pilgrims were to come the next day so I was hopeful I would be able to walk with them & not get lost. But they were Austrian women used to the high mountains & walking at about 5-6 km per hour. My speed is about 4-4.5 km on the flat. Not a chance. I was told I had to decide about continuing then as the next 4 days were harder, higher, longer, etc, with no way back except hiking. No buses, no taxis, etc. So I stayed in Premilcuore at the refuge till today, did some short walks & checked out the town. (More on my time in Premilcuore in my next post)
I have now returned to Forli to sightsee & slowly make my way to Assisi to resume my plans. So my slowness, probably too limited hill training, a too heavy pack, & possibly out-of-date instructions combined to undermine my confidence, drat it. We live & learn!
I am undaunted though. Next time I will do the easier option with luggage help & proper instructions!
The 1st day I was walking well until I became unsure of the way. The last Cammino sign I had seen was kilometres back. Then I hit a main road not in the instructions so stopped at a restaurant to ask the way. I was about 10km in the wrong direction! With the help of the people in the restaurant, 2 friendly bus drivers & a random man who gave me a lift I reached the 1st refuge. I had a good night there, nice family, good meal, & slept well. Optimistic me!
I set out on the 2nd day walking well, climbing well, a bit steep but I could do it, reached the summit, took some photos & then descended that mountain. I was a bit worried about the next as it was a much higher climb. Then I found that I was a lot too slow on the 1st one, arrived at the first stop about 2 hours late. I had got lost twice but just about .5km each time, not so bad. I decided it would take way too long to climb that next mountain at my speed so I cheated & got a ride to the next refuge! Which according to my instructions was near a statue of Padre Pio. Which it wasn't! Finally found the refuge with a lot of help, totally somewhere else, & with my confidence in the instructions shattered decided to stay an extra night.
I had found my backpack was way too heavy, about 11kg, totally my fault & main reason I was slow, so I posted about 5 kg off to Assisi to the hotel I'll be staying at there. Helpful lady at the Post Office rang the hotel to expect & hold the parcel.
Some pilgrims were to come the next day so I was hopeful I would be able to walk with them & not get lost. But they were Austrian women used to the high mountains & walking at about 5-6 km per hour. My speed is about 4-4.5 km on the flat. Not a chance. I was told I had to decide about continuing then as the next 4 days were harder, higher, longer, etc, with no way back except hiking. No buses, no taxis, etc. So I stayed in Premilcuore at the refuge till today, did some short walks & checked out the town. (More on my time in Premilcuore in my next post)
I have now returned to Forli to sightsee & slowly make my way to Assisi to resume my plans. So my slowness, probably too limited hill training, a too heavy pack, & possibly out-of-date instructions combined to undermine my confidence, drat it. We live & learn!
I am undaunted though. Next time I will do the easier option with luggage help & proper instructions!
Friday, July 10, 2015
Crossing borders, catching planes, trains, buses, or not!
All is good! I left Brisbane on Monday night, Queensland time & arrived in Abu Dhabi early Tuesday morning, UAE time. I had two days staying with Dan, went to a home furnishings show, typical me. (Jan, do you remember me dragging you around those when you were young?) We visited the gorgeous white Mosque there, dressed in appropriate clothing. The building is lovely indeed with some great details. The pictures on fb show the light fixture/hanging as you walk toward the entrance which is the better of two. The one inside the mosque is a bit garish, but the details on the walls are lovely. So a marvellously impressive building. We went swimming, yay, & sightseeing, an enjoyable visit.
(Who wants to go to Montego Bay in Jamaica next April?) Hint to family!
Thursday, I flew to Athens, Greece, & stayed one night in a hostel near the Acropolis. Wifi was unreliable & later in the evening there was a power cut, lol. So I didn't put much on fb or write in my blog. It was amazing being there in Athens, wandering around trying not to be a tourist 'cos I'll do that in August. I got talking to an American woman while having tea, she was nice, then went back to the hostel where I was talking with two of the others in the dorm, one Taiwanese, the other I'm not sure where from. Then the power cut out so that was that, went to sleep.
Friday, after a little adventure with a missing bus, I flew to Milano, Italy, & found my way to my hotel. I now have an Italian SIM card & my new no is +39 38840 90539, just for texts of course. I'll sightsee here also when I come back in early August. So I'm settled in, chores done, tea had, powering up the devices ready for tomorrow.
Tomorrow I travel by train & bus to Dovadola & the starting point of the Cammino di Assisi. Much trepidation!
My entries on fb, GCC, & this blog may be rather erratic due to the basic facilities on the pilgrimage but I'll do what I can.
As always I am loving Daylight Saving Time, such a good thing.
(Who wants to go to Montego Bay in Jamaica next April?) Hint to family!
Thursday, I flew to Athens, Greece, & stayed one night in a hostel near the Acropolis. Wifi was unreliable & later in the evening there was a power cut, lol. So I didn't put much on fb or write in my blog. It was amazing being there in Athens, wandering around trying not to be a tourist 'cos I'll do that in August. I got talking to an American woman while having tea, she was nice, then went back to the hostel where I was talking with two of the others in the dorm, one Taiwanese, the other I'm not sure where from. Then the power cut out so that was that, went to sleep.
Friday, after a little adventure with a missing bus, I flew to Milano, Italy, & found my way to my hotel. I now have an Italian SIM card & my new no is +39 38840 90539, just for texts of course. I'll sightsee here also when I come back in early August. So I'm settled in, chores done, tea had, powering up the devices ready for tomorrow.
Tomorrow I travel by train & bus to Dovadola & the starting point of the Cammino di Assisi. Much trepidation!
My entries on fb, GCC, & this blog may be rather erratic due to the basic facilities on the pilgrimage but I'll do what I can.
As always I am loving Daylight Saving Time, such a good thing.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Countdown 1 day!
One day to go! I fly out tomorrow night at 9.35pm. Excitement, trepidation, excitement, it's all good. First stop is Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates & I'm staying with Dan for two nights. I shall be warm, maybe even toasted.
My search for togs has had some success - I have found the bottom of a two piece & a rash vest. Now I just have to find a top piece & the togs will be complete. In the meantime I can wear a bra under the vest. Perfect!
I've been worrying about the minimal packing because of the weight limitations but have decided to get through the pilgrimage then buy a wheeled suitcase & put my pack in it. Then I can buy with freedom 'cos I won't have to carry it all on my back.
I'm watching The Voice tonight. A guy who regularly busks outside QPAC & the Conservatorium has been on & has gone through with Ricky Martin as coach. Yay! Tim is classically trained with a great voice, sings opera with passion. I've been listening to him for a couple of years around Southbank. Tim is in a wheelchair & doesn't let it limit his performances.
Okay - one day to fly! Fantastic.
My search for togs has had some success - I have found the bottom of a two piece & a rash vest. Now I just have to find a top piece & the togs will be complete. In the meantime I can wear a bra under the vest. Perfect!
I've been worrying about the minimal packing because of the weight limitations but have decided to get through the pilgrimage then buy a wheeled suitcase & put my pack in it. Then I can buy with freedom 'cos I won't have to carry it all on my back.
I'm watching The Voice tonight. A guy who regularly busks outside QPAC & the Conservatorium has been on & has gone through with Ricky Martin as coach. Yay! Tim is classically trained with a great voice, sings opera with passion. I've been listening to him for a couple of years around Southbank. Tim is in a wheelchair & doesn't let it limit his performances.
Okay - one day to fly! Fantastic.
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