Last Day, Traveling Home
Istanbul #4 of 4. At this point I think it’s a fair question to ask, does my newly acquired thing for Turkish olives signal I am deficient in a vitamin or a mineral? I plated up my first pass at the breakfast buffet and it contained an odd combination of plain yogurt, carved-it-myself honey, and olives. However, what struck me was that I didn’t get enough olives.
The Breakfast Buffet, and Olives
Istanbul #3 of 4. The weather here has been uncharacteristically Seattle-esc, only worse, so this post is dedicated to the indoor activity of eating, focusing on the inspiring breakfast buffet at our hotel.
The Hagia Sophia
Istanbul #2 of 4. We are speeding towards the Hagia Sophia, and I do mean speeding, while Sandy and the cab driver talk to each other using the audio on Google Translator and their iPhones.
It’s Sunday in Istanbul
Istanbul #1 of 4. It’s Sunday in Istanbul. It took two attempts to get here, our first plane rescheduled after a five hour “tour” in the SeaTac airport. An hour and a half of that glorious time was spent sitting in the airplane before being deplaned, making us a day later on our arrival and a short trip to check out possible pilgrimage routes even shorter.
Cathedrals and Other Man Made Wonders
Via Francigena #20 of 20. The David counts as a wonder. I would have added him to yesterday’s list had I known. I had not anticipated my reaction, but choked as I came around the corner. Is it his legendary fame? Is it his presence? I don’t know and it doesn’t matter, other than than to say he is not overrated.
Drink, Pee, Walk
Via Francigena #19 of 20. Seems we have a bit of the Ground Hog Day going. We keep hitting the same no-food snag; one of the hazards of researching a guide book. All we can do is hydrate, pee and keep walking.
Land of the Agriturismo
Via Francigena #17 of 20. I am often more comfortable in small towns than in larger cities when we travel. Whether it’s true or not, I feel safer and have the perception town people are more patient and willing to work with me. The people in Gambasi Termi did not disappoint.
This Sucks, and I Knowingly Signed Up For It?
Via Francigena #16 of 20. We’re on a long single-lane stretch with double-lane drivers and serious assholes. I have felt safer on highways than on this back country road. But the vistas are beautiful.
The Cemetery Post
Via Francigena #14 of 20. There are many things I appreciate about the Italians and something they really know how to do is a graveyard. I am entranced by them, to the point an Italian beefcake went running by just as a cemetery appeared, and I had to choose whether to gape at the living or gape at the dead.
Aosta: Rest and All You Can Birthday # 2
Via Francigena #13 of 20. It’s not often one can list doing your wash as part of what made your special day so special, but it did.
The Difference Between Food and Calories
Via Francigena #12 of 20. I’ll take a steep uphill over a steep downhill any day. My legs feel like I have had one foot on the gas and the other two on the brakes all day, because I have.
The Stairway
Via Francigena #11 of 20. Today we start the long anticipated trek up to the Great St-Bernard Pass. This is why you start 5 days before in Lausanne. Why you get your walking legs under you, condition your feet, and work out your jet lag. It’s so when you come here, to this singular place, you are completely unencumbered, on every level.
Is Bi-Pedal Best?
Via Francigena #10 of 20. Physics demands that when going up a steep hill you lean forward, especially if you have a pack on and don’t want to fall backwards, which I did. At one point the path became almost a 60 degree angle, somewhere between stairs and a ladder. I had leaned so far forward that with my knuckles grazing the ground it seemed best not to fight it and go full quadruped, gloves or no gloves.
We’re Hiking Now
Via Francigena #9 of 20. You’ve heard of a three dog night? Well it’s a four OJ morning. Which means it’s also a two cappuccino breakfast.
The Fine Art of Blisters
Via Francigena #8 of 20. It’s a fine morning. After the previous day of peanut M&M’s and Swiss Chicken McNuggets slathered in mayo, I’m good to go.
St-Maurice: All You Can Eat and Beer Day # 1
Via Francigena #7 of 20. We spent most of the day eating peanut M&M’s and sleeping. So much for the beer.
The Three Sufferings of Pilgrimage
Via Francigena #6 of 20. I woke up this morning to the Three Sufferings of Pilgrimage: constipation, hunger and blisters. Forget muscle fatigue. It doesn’t even rate here.
Mono Human
Via Francigena #5 of 20. I need to become bi-armal as a result of yesterday’s fall. I have to use my right arm predominately to heave-ho my backpack up over my shoulder until the injury heals on the left side.