We are in the Po valley, the pasta and rice basket of Italy, walking beside green rice paddies and durum wheat fields. The Via Francigena in Italy has a completely different vibe than the one we walked in France. The signage is fantastic, the paths well maintained complete with rest areas for pilgrims every couple of kilometers, and lots of cafes in the small villages along the way. It feels like we were invited to come for a walk and, having accepted, we are welcome guests. And of course, the food is delicious.
Before leaving Viverone, we had a talk with Lorenzo, the hotel proprietor, who was very concerned about impending Armageddon if congress does not raise the debt ceiling. He seemed even more concerned about the prospect of Trump getting elected. I don’t like to signal political positions when abroad, unless with people we know well enough, so I assured him the sun will continue rising regardless of what happens in the US. He was skeptical, a reminder that Europeans by in large follow US politics closely often with a terrified fascination. He also asked why the US hasn’t had a female President, but I think that was more of a dig as Italy has la Meloni. Tomorrow Vercelli.
Walking the Via Francigena 
Hmmm… you were hungry enough to eat a mountain? Looks very peaceful & pastoral. But with carbs.
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Your descriptions are so vivid, it is as if we were walking by your side!
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Love the pictures! Also glad to hear armageddon is not near.
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If you carry on with this gastronomy you’ll have to double your daily mileage to walk it all off or enjoy the food and to hell with it.
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Glad you’re in Italy, in a civilized country. Lots to look forward to. Terrified fascination sums it up well. I correspond with friends there and it seems they are about a year or two behind in understanding the mood here, which is very generally that we don’t talk about Trump as much as we used to and are embarrassed by the politics.
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I love the part of Italy that you’re in now. We have wonderful memories of Valdosta.
Happy trails to both Sandy and Hugh
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that fork and mountain photo is fantastic!
I was on an island in Greece in October 2016 and the interaction with my b&b proprietors was similar to yours with Lorenzo…let’s hope/pray/VOTE that things turn out differently this time.
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