We were treated to a Moroccan wedding last night complete with ululating and boyterous cheers The music was Arabic at times, with oud and derbeke, Italian techno at others but at 4:00 am the wedding party broke out with a clamorous rendition of Ciao Bella Ciao It reminded us of our wedding , next week 41 years ago, so we were tempted to join them but still hoped for some sleep They ran out of steam at 5:00
We stopped at the Abby of St Albino just outside of Mortara on the site of a battle between Charlemagne and the Lombards Charlemagne won so his spiritual counselor, Albino, built an Abby on top of a 3rd century church How Albino became a saint is related to a nun and a priest buried in different places whose clothes were found together some time later It had to be a miracle But the legend is lost in the myst of time
We have not seen many pilgrims We stopped in Tromello for lunch, learned that we are not far behind a couple from Virginia but otherwise the Francigena highway is ours We are off to Pavia tomorrow
Walking the Via Francigena 
Ciao belli. A lot of interaction with the locals at your destinations. That was some miracle deserving of sainthood. Enjoying your commentary.
LikeLike
Another couple from Virginia?!? Unfortunately it’s not us! Love your postings and following in your footsteps online!
LikeLike
You walk 30km a day, then carouse at a wedding party till 5am?! You’re younger than we are.
LikeLike
Fast walkers you are 👏.
And adding paris to your itinerary? An extra two days of walking i guess 😄.
Cheers
LikeLike
Paris? Typo or you just gotta see the Jeu de Pomme?
LikeLike
Pavia makes so much more sense than Paris. Plus you get to stay in Italy!
Was that a yawn, Paula? 😉
LikeLike