My day of rest began with a short sharp hill climb to my place for breakfast - a local cafe.
My voucher for breakfast provided me with a cappuccino and a croissant and a small glass of water.
Very tasty, but quite a contrast to the extravagant meal provided last night. I am half board for these two nights because there aren't any restaurants in the village!
Because of language limitations I was sent my menu last night by WhatsApp message:
Appetiser: bruschetta with tomato and asparagus hummus, eggplant and pachino, polenta with sauce, rice soup. Potato gnocchi with sauce, stew in leek cream and salad. English soup and strawberries
Appetisers:
Primo:
Secondo:
Dolce:
If you're wondering which English soup is, it's the cake dessert. In Italian it's called "Inglese Zuppa" It's basically a trifle but rather confusing when I got the message! The food was lovely but this was the most I've eaten at a meal for the whole time I've been in Italy so the smallish breakfast actually was fine.
I slept ok, but as it was a single bed, after having had doubles or larger so far I think I must have been scared to fall out as I've woken with a very stiff left hip/sore back. This is something I have been seeing a chiropractor for since I put my back out just before Christmas so it's a bit concerning. I shall have to be mindful not to sit too long today or getting going tomorrow will be really difficult! I'd appreciate your prayers that this won't be a problem today or in the final few days of the walk - or I'll be having to consider alternative transport methods!
Today is quite a good day to be resting because it is a national holiday: Fiesta Della Liberazione
This is observed on April 25th each year and commemorates the liberation of Italy from the Fascist dictatorship and the Nazi occupation, which ended in 1945. The day is marked by parades, ceremonies, and other celebrations across the country.
This event has interestingly made me think about my paternal grandfather who fought in Italy during the First World War. I never knew him personally as he passed away many years before I was born and I don't know exactly where he was stationed as he apparently didn't talk much about his experiences even to my father. But to know he was here in this country at some point in the distant past somehow is resonating with me today.
Ok - kettle on and a mix of reading/reflecting and some stretching today. Oh the joy of seeing a kettle here was something else because it means I can drink tea whenever I want today - bliss!
