Was rather startled this morning to hear explosions coming from Nerola. Loud bangs and little smoke trials rising in the early morning bright blue sky (you can just see one of the trails rising up from the tree at the bottom of the hill) Had to ask my host what was going on when I went down for breakfast and she said it's "pyrotechnics" for St Georges day. It's quite a day of celebrations for the Italians so if St George's day falls in the week they wait til the Sunday to celebrate so that everyone can join in!
Breakfast has set me up for today which is, according to the app, a very long walk indeed - it says 22km (13.2 miles), but the host last night said it was more like 30km (18 miles)! Thankfully he has suggested an alternative route that will take about an hour and a half off the journey time as if I follow this I won't be ascending/descending the proposed hilly route! So I'm going to be 'off-grid' for a bit and, for a while at least, won't have the comfort of my app directing me along! Am a little apprehensive because of the minimal internet connection in these parts, but as my pilgrim prayer asks God to be 'my guide at the crossroads' am I trusting God to guide me on this unknown way until I rejoin the route partway along.
Brings me back to Isaiah 30 that I quoted yesterday:
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,
“This is the way; walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21
I've just sent my luggage on with my host for tonight. I will see him later, but hopefully not too much later if this alternative route works ok!
Oh, and I said I'd let you know about dinner last night - which was another feast! Multiple antipasti dishes followed by pasta for primo course. I had to decline the secondo and went straight to dessert which were types of biscotti and more Easter cake - all beautifully prepared by the hosts! I really have eaten very well these past few days, but I think I'll be glad to opt for something simpler this evening! But before I can do that I need to get to my next destination so I'd better get on the road.
