“She may have a wild soul, but she is a lover of simple things and quiet places.” Unknown
Guidebook mileage: 17.70km (11 miles)
Garmin watch mileage: Not accurate data…I forgot to check it when I arrived in town. Currently says, 25.26km (15.7 miles)
The morning started out perfectly. I woke up at 4:50 am even though I set my alarm for 6 am. Something has changed in me. I’m so excited to start in the morning but I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the moment. So I took my time getting dressed and out the door. I stopped for a macchiato and a pastry. My favorite.
I took a slow walk out of the city to enjoy the scenery and soak up everything around me. Including this incredible, picturesque view of the Duomo and Montefiascone.
Someone once pointed out to me, that I seemed to enjoy the moment more after it had passed, then while I was in it. This statement had a profound effect on me. I took it to heart. It was something I didn’t recognize in myself until I was made aware of it. What this person told me was true. I was detached from the moment. I had a ton of anxiety and I really was not living in the moment, which is why I would take so many photos and videos. I had a nervousness or fear that something bad was going to happen and I mentally, emotionally, and physically always needed to be prepared. But once the moment has passed, I could enjoy it so much more because nothing bad had happened.
I took this realization seriously, and I have consciously tried to make an effort to be fully present throughout my day. Today, I feel like I succeeded and I am forever grateful to the person who pointed that out to me because it helped me grow in a way that I was not aware that I needed growth.
I’m almost to the finish line of the VF so I definitely want to savor every moment.
So with that said, here is a recap of the day.
I took a selfie when I realized how happy I was in the moment…just walking down a gravel road with some flowers in my backpack. My face, weathered from the sun, sweat and dust. My hair, wild from the wind. Simple and oh so free. I even love the little wrinkles that are starting to form on the sides of my eyes. Wisdom wrinkles. I can see the inner tranquility, peace, and self love that I’ve gained after walking five Caminos and over 2,000 miles.
I want to capture these moments and hold them forever in time.
I saw beautiful olive groves. These never get old for me. I have this feeling that these ancient twisty trunks and limbs carry some deeper wisdom that I would love to know.
I saw my very first kiwi on the vine. Beautiful. There is always something special about a first.
I caught an enchanting glimpse of the sun streaming through an archway.
I watched the farmers moving bales of hay back and forth, up and down the gravel roads. I noticed they wrap the bales in the Italian flag similar to the US farmers with the American flag. Marketing is everywhere.
I’m a country girl at heart. I had to get my photo with them. I even made a cheesy video…check it out here.
I jumped three moats and crossed a big field to stand with the sunflowers. They reminded me of Kansas. 🌻
I ate healthy food (for lunch)…and consumed it slowly. Dinner was a different story…pizza and beer…but I still ate it mindfully. Don’t ask about the olives. I’m not sure why they threw cold olives on there like that. Ha!
I walked around the town of Viterbo where I am staying tonight. It’s an old medieval town with so much history I would need to write a book. I highly recommend googling this town if you have any interest. It is incredible.
There was a wooden beam on the ceiling of the church that has an inscription on it. I would love to know what it says.
I met a local artist, by chance, who is creating a stone path sculpture with pilgrims names on it…she asked me to paint mine. ❤️
She also pulled a tarot card for me and gave it to me to keep. It was The World card. She said I have completed what I needed to learn on this journey (the world is the last card of the deck) and now I hold the world in my hand. Success was the overall meaning.
This weekend there is a medieval festival happening in Viterbo. I had zero idea this was going on until I walked into the middle of it. Because this is how my life works. People in costumes, a drum line, flag throwers, flame eater, tarot card readers (apparently Viterbo is the first city in the West to have tarot. Tarot originated in Egypt…all of this according to a local), and little kids running around with swords. It was wild but fun to experience.
I ran into Beatrice and Stefano again in Viterbo. Today is their last day of hiking but we snapped some photos together for memories. They were a lovely couple. And they gave me a tip for my next destination after the VF! I can’t wait to visit the place they recommended. Stay tuned.
Kari made another awesome video to recap my day of walking. You can enjoy it here!
Goodnight and much love & gratitude from Italy! 🇮🇹
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Here are some resources if anyone is interested in hiking the Via Francigena.
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https://www.viefrancigene.org
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http://www.viafrancigena.com
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https://www.gronze.com
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www.booking.com
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App: Via Francigena
Okay, I know, it probably seems trivial but I love the foot pedal sinks. It’s so nice to not have to touch the knobs.
