Pope to Puglia Day 20 Troia to Lucera – 18 km

The paneficio (bakery) was bustling this morning at 8 am with people milling about cheered by the aroma of freshly baked bread. It’s the smell of home, family, a good meal and a warm fire.  While waiting for our focaccia, we said hello to two young men whom we had seen back in Benevento. We exchanged vital info – where to, they to SMDL; where from, they from Brescia in norther Italy – but otherwise they seemed to want to be left alone, which suits us fine.  We surmise they are seminarians or just good friends or both. 

The variable weather means constant change of outer wear from goose down jackets (it was chilly this morning and the wind was blowing) to rain slickers, to just shirts and then back to the jackets. At the beginning of one downpour, a lady stopped her car to offer us a ride.  Though tucking into a warm dry car was enticing, we politely refused.  We were in the mood for a walk and the endless fields of wheat and olive trees are soothing. 

At Hannah’s suggestion we listened to Ezra Klein’s interview with Adam Moss, the former editor of New York Magazine, on editing and its role in the creative process. Klein is always thoughtful, but this piece is very insightful especially on the relationship between motion (running, cycling, walking) and creativity.  Our walking helps us focus more intensely, even if on nothing.