Stage 7 Rocca Sinibalda to Castel di Tora

Today I departed my very delightful host, who was very interesting and we shared some conversations about art and I felt much more positive. The kindness of strangers and all that. There was an initial uphill climb, but then it levelled out until Castel di Tora. As I knew it was a shorter distance today and a more straightforward section I allowed myself to depart later (7.30am) and to pause to enjoy views and have a coffee and pastry at the charming hamlet of Posticciola, and still arrived at Castel di Tora in good time.

When I stopped for coffee and a party, I wound up spilling my coffee trying to get it to a table by carrying too much- of course the kind people rushed to help and remake me another one, when the British instinct was just to make do with what was left in the saucer, this of course was a travesty to the Italians. As I supped my coffee there was an old Italian gentleman sitting in the square singing to himself, it was all rather peaceful. Feeling refreshed it was time to continue on- this time towards a man made lake from the 1930’s, and 11th C bridge and a dam.

Another exciting find on todays walk aside from the incredible views, was a porcupine quill! Tonight I am staying with a lovely lady called Rita, who lets pilgrims stay for a donation. Her home has fabulous views, and she speaks as much English as I Italian- but I was pleased that I have been able to converse with her quite well. Castle di Tora is named as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, and indeed it is. When I arrived I first sought out a pharmacy for more blister plasters, just in case, and then food. I fear i mortally offended the woman in the bar when I asked for a sandwich- rather than their usual lunchtime fare of many courses of pasta! I am not sure how they eat so much, particularly in the heat. It was a delicious sandwich so I felt most justified.

This evening was a very fun evening with Rita and her friends, which included an artist, a baker and her Italian teaching daughter who works in Belgium normally. We joked and I was able to share bits of my Italian knowledge with them and learn from them too. I won’t forget their warmth and kindness in a hurry nor the laughter.