Finis Terrae May 16, 2024

We reached the end of the road.  To our left the Adriatic Sea and the hills of Albania outlined on the far horizon, to our right the Ionian Sea which today is crashing against the rocky shore driven by a 25 mph Scirocco that pelted us with sand particles all day.  The Madonna de Finibus Terrae who calmed the waters in the 4th century to save the Leuca population from a gigantic tidal wave was resting.  Instead, sister Fara, not Fara Fawcett she insisted, meticulously designed, and signed our Testimonium proving that we completed 975 km of the Via Francigena del Sud from Rome to SMDL.  And that was that.

Now, go out and do something crazy. 

Ciao.

18 thoughts on “Finis Terrae May 16, 2024

  1. CONGRATULAZIONI!!!!!! You two are awesome!! On our way to Torino for quick turn around to DC where we hope to celebrate you soon!! Has been a joy and inspiration to follow you.
    Sam and Esther

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  2. ❤️ 

    Just hats off to you both. 

    Welcome back home safe and we can celebrate. 

    Just reading your travelogue has been a blessing!!

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    1. P and E !
      How satisfying and exhilarating! You should be enormously proud of yourselves.
      i hope the Leucans said, “Thankyoubus muchibus “ to the Madonna de Finibus Terrae. (So rare one gets to quote ol’ Mr Joyce.).
      i am bursting with pride that I know intrepidus peoplus like P and E!!
      lovelovelove Teresa

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  3. Congratulations! Why not hop a ferry boat and visit us in Malta. This place is incredible. You would love it. The combination of Arabic and Italian culture and some other stuff thrown in is so intriguing and delicious by the way lots of love, Sandy and Hugh.

    3301 New New Mexico Ave, NW, Ste 210 tele: 202-363-9600 fax: 202–363-9601 Board Certified Dermatology http://www.DrSandraRead.com

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  4. Now it’s time to catch a boat to Jerusalem! We are so proud of you…lick your paws! xo, Martha and John

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  5. Many many congratulations! And for providing an always delightful and interesting commentary each day and once a week from Paula. Can’t wait to get together with you when you’re home. Tony.

    Sent from my iPhone

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  6. What a marvelous journey!  Many thanks for sharing your experiences.  When do you plan to get back to DC? Cheers, Tom

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  7. Dear Edward and Paula, What an accomplishment! Following your pilgrim’s progress day by day has been inspiring, entertaining, educational, just wonderful in the literal sense. Thank you for sharing this amazing experience. Your illustrated journal will certainly be treasured for generations to come. I wonder if you are planning a spa retreat before returning to our crazy world. It will be good to see you again. All best wishes to you both. Anne-Lise Anne-Lise Auclair-Jones 3725 Upton St. NW Washington, DC 20016 202-997-7238

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  8. Have really enjoyed your travel blog and learning about the places you’ve walked through along the way. Congratulations on reaching your goal. I imagine finishing is somewhat bittersweet.

    Rachel Burnett

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  9. Thank you, Edward and Paula, for sharing your extraordinary journey with us. Norm and I looked forward to reading your joyful and fascinating posts every day. We can’t wait to hear more about your trip when you return home. With love and best wishes — Donna

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  10. 4000kms of inspiring thoughts, humour, history and devotion with seldom, if any, need for roadside assistance! Thank you Edward and Paula for sharing this great adventure with us. Congratulations and much love Fiona and Michael

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