A beautiful walk high up on the cliffs overlooking the sea.
We went to the fruit vendor to buy a couple of oranges for today’s short trip. The store advertised dried figs. The fig trees we pass are full of figs, not yet ripe. As the lady was carefully selecting and bagging the oranges I asked her when fig season began. “Around the feast of St John” she answered automatically. When she saw my puzzled look, she added “Around the first of June.”
It is difficult to overstate how deeply religion is integrated into everyday life in Italy. Crucifixes and portraits of Pope John or Father Pio everywhere, the road is sprinkled with small devotional chapels of all kinds, some more unusual than others, and seasons are defined by the rhythms of a religious calendar. Small poor towns boast magnificent churches, feast days are devoutly observed and celebrated. The log of church attendance may lead one to believe this is a secular country, but church attendance is no substitute for the weaving of religious practice into the fabric of everyday life.
Tomorrow is the last day of our Via Francigena walk. We are bracing for an emotional arrival at St Maria di Leuca.
Walking the Via Francigena 
One more day! 💃🏻🕺🏻
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What a trip you have had! Thanks for taking us along. I’ve enjoyed it immensely! Angela
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I will miss your regular updates/stories/pictures – thanks so much for taking us along! xoxo, Beth
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Thanks so much for sharing your amazing adventure! Good luck on your final walk and reentry to regular life. I look forward to seeing you back in DC!
Evan
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Can’t believe you have one more day! I’m going to miss you and your journey – which I have lived vicariously for 6 weeks! You two are incredible- thank you for taking me with you in this journey without having to worry about washing underwear, painful feet or calloused pinkies. I loved all your descriptions of the landscape and sea, the travellers you’ve met on the way a d the photos – especially the last one! Sending love to you both and looking forward to a rendezvous in Umbria this summer Susie 🩷🩷🩷
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I can’t believe it’s almost over. thank you for taking us with you! amazing trip by two amazing people. safe trip home..
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Few people have seen Italy and its culture as you have. I hope this last stretch serves as a cool down before your final stage. Early congrats.
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bravi! Todi is awaiting a full rendition of your heroic expedition!
When will you be back?
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One more
Just one more day
Two oranges for lunch
Eager to finish but wistful
Deep breath
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Enjoy every last step! I am so inspired by your commitment to the entire adventure and I will miss your daily updates. Sending all my love and congratulations! -Eliza Cress
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