• Bruce Stanley
  • Bruce Stanley

September 1 to Rome and 🤞

Time flies and it's now 4th September Weiterlesen
  • Beginn der Reise
    1. September 2024

    Day 5

    3. September 2024 in Italien ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Day 5 Bari to Dubrovnik by ferr

  • Day 7 Bari Italy to Cratia Dubrovnik

    5. September 2024 in Kroatien ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    This was our 2nd day in Dubrovnik. Rick and I started early and walked both mornings, the 6kms down and into Dubrovnik's historic old town. I'd booked a 2 hr walking tour of the old town. It was just Rick and I, not the +20 size groups. Givo's (our guide) historical knowledge rewarded us. Early start again today and we were about the first to start the Old Town Wall Walk complete with +600 steps.
    Our accommodation has spectacular sunset views.
    Avoiding morning and afternoon crowds, plus 30⁰ heat is why we start early.
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 8 Old Town Dubrovnik

    8.–12. Sept. 2024 in Kroatien ⋅ 🌙 21 °C
  • Mondays Ferry from Dubrovnik to Split

    10. September 2024 in Kroatien ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Day 9-10 Dubrovnik to Split.
    Rick and I enjoyed this opportunity to travel through these Croatian island waterways. The weather was good for traveling but not for photography. Arriving dockside in Split saw the heavens open and stayed that way for hours.
    Our accommodstion was upgraded to a luxury apartment close to the harbor and Cafe's, restaurants and Splits Harbour.
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 12 SPLIT

    11. September 2024 in Kroatien ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Rick and I have enjoyed 4 days in historic Split (beautiful harbour/coastline) including a side trip to Trogir. Ancient towns and castles. Currently busing it up to Slovenia via Zagreb for 5 nights.

  • Day 14 Sept Ljubljana Slovenia

    12.–15. Sept. 2024 in Kroatien ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    After 6 days in the beautiful sunny Split, Rick and I took the FlixBus to Ljubjana the capital of Slovenia.
    For 3 days we have enjoyed many aspects of Ljubljana. It has many excellent buildings from the former Russian years. Like Croatia everyone speaks English here in Ljubljana and is very friendly and seems well educated. Costs seem similar,,, even cheaper than home.
    The 4th last photo is Slovenia's Dragon.
    Tomorrow Rick and I start touring the outer countryside. First destination is the scenic Lake Bled.
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 15 & 16 Slovenia

    15. September 2024 in Slowenien ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Touring Slovenia has been an outstanding success for Rick and I. The mountains and lakes are spectacular. I keep thinking I'm in Austria. Homes even Bus shelters have these "A" roofs and their yards have big stacks of chopped firewood. On the 15th we enjoyed Lake Bled including a 6k walk. Yesterday we drove to Lake Bohinj and went up their v steep gondula.
    Apologies for this short FP. It is just 4:30am and we are about to head west for more Slovenia sites
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 19 Postojna Slovenia

    19. September 2024 in Slowenien ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Rick and I Trek up the Tolmin Gorge. Very picturesqe amazing wild gorge. At the very top there is the deep cave where Dante wrote Dante's inferno. (last photo). We are staying overnight in Postojns and are about to visit a didtictve landmark "Predjama" castle in a cave. Tomorrow is Ljubjana the FlixBus to Florence.Weiterlesen

  • Day 23 our Penultimate dat together

    21. September 2024 in Slowenien ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Our recent journey highlights covered the drive back to Ljubljana via the fortress Castle in the hill and 2 days in Ljubljana before taking a 9 hour bus ride to Florence. The first photo is when we said our goodbyes to the manager/cleaning lady at our "capsule" hostel in Ljubljana. The Ljubljana Capsule Hostel was unusual in that the individual capsules were fully enclosed, complete with large TVs, excellent lights and comfortable.
    In Florence we've been to see Michelangelos David plus several huge uncompleted sculptures of his. The queue, like Florence's crowds were overwhelming. Clever Rick spotted an "official" selling inflated tickets which included a straight to the front entry ... and we paid his price and saved 2+ hours from being in the v long queue.
    Monday Florence Museum's are closed. Tomorrow we plan to visit Florence's UFFIZI Gallery.
    Wednesday day is our parting day. Rick heads for Rome to fly home on the 26th. Bruce heads to Lucca.
    Needless to say our month together has been an outstanding success, and we are better for it. Lucky us.
    PS The last photo is the very tiny remains of a gourmet 1.5 inch huge steak meal we consumed. It was tender and delicious.
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 26 LUCCA, Italy

    24. September 2024 in Italien ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    I arrived in Lucca yesterday on a sunny day. To Lucca's credit the Tourist Crowds were evident but certainly not overbearing like Florence.
    Lucca is known as the Wall City.
    So the first thing for me to do was to take this 4K perimeter Roman Wall Walk (see some of the photos). Today I visited their 2 National Museums and had my Credencial stamped twice 🤗
    The Museum benefits, for me, was to get my head around the time before the Roman era and the eventual demise of that significant history era. Tomorrow I'm heading south to do part of my Via Francigena. Sandy Brown is the highly respected Cecerone author of the Via Francigena and also the Camino Frances etc. Sandy recommends to avoid Lucca's industrial area and take a train instead.
    Overall my committed time factors and Brucee' near 88 years may play their parts on what parts/distances I achieve. Primarily I am focusing on the last VF 100Ks into Rome. Hopefully there's more, 🥰
    PS Brucee not drinking Spanish vino Tinto, but Italian vino Rosso 🤗
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 27 Lucca and adventures to Cambassi

    27. September 2024 in Italien ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Today I enjoyed a Positive grateful Camino day. It has its huddles but as my Son Richard would say "adventures with ups & downs" are always positive.
    I decided I didn't need to walk the 28ks to San Miniato..
    Then I said to myself why not skip the following hilly 24+Ks to Gambassi Terme. So Bookings.com to the rescue (but not quite).
    Rome2Rio gave me a Train Bus plan which was eventually successful.
    After lunch, I proceed to my accommodation. The map said 1.3Ks. Long story short the address given was totally wrong. Good Italian's pulled, saw me in a fuffle. Phoned the proper address ... spoke extensively, then drove up to a beautiful heritage home. It got worse. Said I couldn't have the room I booked. I was to be credited but then booked into a tiny room. Further I was miles from the town center. Also I was to stay in the mansion alone the 1st night. The 2nd night it was booked out.
    Lucky Brucee then got the best outcome. After telling the receptionist I was not happy, she then got me an apartment at €25 a night (versus €80 p.n.)
    This is in an Albergue, in the centre of this small VF Camino Town. Fellow Pilgrims, all happy and enjoying their journeys
    🤸🤗🤸
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 30 San Gimignano 🤣

    29. September 2024 in Italien ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Lucca to Gambassi Terme a few days ago by Train/Bus. Walked from Gambassi Terme 13.7Ks. to San Gimignano. The guide book lists this part of Via Francigena Tuscany as the not to be missed Scenic best. It didn't disappoint but was challenging. Sunny about 23⁰C and with deep descents plus bigger ascends. I felt it but was pleased. 🤣
    I start my week of Sketching with Susie Murphie's Tuscany week tomorrow. (I've attached 2 practice warmup paintings).
    Note: the photo included is me with a 77YO South African lady walking part of the VF with her 3 daughters. I walked a few Ks with them and enjoyed lovely conversations.
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 33 Oct 3 and Yes I've enjoyed ...

    3. Oktober 2024 in Italien ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    88 today 🥳. 16 of us enjoyed an extension Wine tour at one of Italy's oldest, large and v impressive Wineries... followed by an impromptu after art evening with Susie and her devoted Wednesday students, 8 of us partied on (we were making a party noise) 🥳
    Long story short, I've enjoyed a wonderful Italian 88th BD.
    I should add, Susie's Workshop is a rewarding and positive success.
    Hopefully I'll attach more photos tomorrow.
    Love to you ALL
    Lucky Brucee 🥰
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 36 6 October IL Borgthetto Italy

    5. Oktober 2024 in Italien ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Did you ever turn left when you should have turned right ?¿?
    Brucee did with wonderful results.
    The last 3 photos show the Canadian Camino couple I happily met again (when I took the wrong turn) 🤣 Then some kilometers later (again walking back from a wrong turn) this lovely young lady "Sarah" (last photo) stopped her car, asked whether I was lost, (I wasn't, but I was concentrating on checking Goggle Maps), Sarah said "I know IL Borgthetto" Get in the car!
    In an all too short time, we enjoyed one of the best short conversations I could ever wish for. Camino delivers🤗 Lucky Brucee
    Yesterday we spent the day in San Gimignano... mostly sketching (shopping for some). San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Hermitage site. It is located on a quite high hill. It has 15 of it's medieval towers still standing (originally 72).
    Tomorrow, Monday, we leave IL Borgthetto. Many fly home via Milan and other significant cities. Lucky Brucee heads south to VITERBO. The plan there is to walk south to Rome ☝️
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 40 10 October 24

    5. Oktober 2024 in Italien ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    I walked today from Vetralla to CAPRANICA. The condition was windy but good. The 1st photo shows you the Via Francigena sign (from San Gimignano) I was hun
    looking for.
    The 2nd (photo) tiny, hard to see, sign on many posts, I missed.
    Still I made it to Capranica feeling I should not be stopping so soon.
    Capranica has a history back to Etruscan time. Many streets are cobblestone, narrow and their buildings are updated old structures.
    My photos are limited in number but I hope of interest to you.
    I'm planning the walks and days to arrive in Rome on the 19th.
    My flight home leaves pm 22/10. Tomorrow is a short walk to SUTRI .
    Lastly the last 3 photos show the Deer signs (I saw none), SMART car ... essential for the limited parking in Italy, and a watercolour I did on the last afternoon.
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 39 ... 9 October 24

    6. Oktober 2024 in Italien ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Day 1 of my Viterbo to Vetralla of my Via Francigena , was positively excellent.
    However after my "3 Orange" service initially cut out, my plans changed.
    I should say my 3 Orange service was updated only a few days ago.
    There was GigaByte's of data left, being unaware there was no GPS.
    Moving on, I found many Italians wanting to help. (See 8th photo). It was resolved. A taxi took me back into beautiful Viterbo. 3 Orange updated my service ☝️. Problem 1 solved, but all this took time.
    So this 88YO executed Plan 2.
    Yes I succumbed to the luxury of taking the Bus all the way to Vetralla. Relaxed me ... and I'm not ruling Bus services out (one of the huge benifits is that you do get to enjoy these Etruscan villages and Italian friendships,).
    Pencil Plans are to walk 17+ Ks to
    Capranica Tomorrow☝️
    I will comment on some of these photos. Point being I was helped many times by English speaking Italians and I am genuinely grateful. 9th photo is an Italian gentleman who gave me a Bus Ticket to Vetralla!!!
    In the photos that follow are a few of these Italian good sumerians. Yes Lucky me.
    PS last photo is one of Magic's boy friend in Italy
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 41 11 October 24

    11.–18. Okt. 2024 in Italien ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Today's Walk was from Capranica to Sutri.... said to be 9Ks. It started with a long twisting cobblestone road and the Via Francigena signs pointed to an uphill and bushland road. This for me was a chance to walk slowly, stop often and simply enjoy the splendor of autumn leaves and chestnuts falling.
    My early coffee was just before the VF took me into the bush The young lady treated everyone with a smile. At the quiet moments (washing up) she often broke into Opera.. I loved every moment of it When I asked her for a photo she smiled (picture 6) and asked me if I wanted a Stamp for my Credencial.
    All good for this 88YO 🤗
    Then came the solo walk in the autumn bush.
    Now in Sutri. This again is a well preserved Etruscan / Roman village Plan for tomorrow is to relax and enjoy the Etruscan Roman sites. Oh I should comment on the last 2 photos. The last one was the owner of my stay in Capranica. The 2nd last is a group of happy Brazilians.
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 42 12 October 24 ;-)))

    12. Oktober 2024 in Italien ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    SUTRI Rest Day today, I enjoyed some of the Etruscans historical sites, plus Sutri's villagers and their welcoming warm culture.
    Since arriving in this part of Italy I naturally was keen to learn a bit of the Etruscan history.
    The 2nd, 3rd and 4th photos only scratch the surface but were of interest to me. Photos 11, 12 and 13 are from the ancient Roman times featuring the Amphitheater plus their burial Tombs (photo 13).
    Photo 15 is Brucee's Italian Coffee maker and photo 16 is a selfie of Frianzo and me. The only way we could enjoy a barra and a chat was via Google Translate. It was successful and we both agreed to take a selfie. 🤣 Frianzo is walking the Via Francigena.
    Tomorrow I'm heading south to Monterosi.🤞 Rain is predicted for Friday ,Saturday, Sunday 😯
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 45, 15 October 24

    15. Oktober 2024 in Italien ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Hi All. I missed a day +. Happily I'm still having a magic time in Italy... some bumps in the adventure but both genders do help me with language issues. On that subject Spain was easier. The 3rd and 2nd last photo show 2 of the very best sumaritans. 3rd photo is the lady that runs my o,,/n accommodation in Sutri. Excellent English and served the best breakfast I've had since home.
    My walk from Monterosi to Campagnano Di Roma was just 13.85Ks. Like an American friend (the day before), I chose the recommended the scenic route. But slso like my Texas friend it had multiple wet sticky mud sections.
    Boots and legs need scrubbing later.
    The finish was a short steep section which got me straight into Birra mode.
    Rest day today. Tomorrow is a short walk to Formello, Following that is a longer walk to La Storta. Rain predicted for 2 days, then I'll walk into Rome
    🤞🤞🤞
    PS I'm allergic to cats..
    2 photos show local kittens think otherwise 🤣
    BTW I elected to use 3 Orange SIM. Bad idea. All their following messages are lengthy and in Italian. I phoned them to get clarification and the operator only spoke Italian. Even the lovely Alessandra's Italia ofn failed to resolve the problem. With only 7 days left I look like I'll be using Telstra Roaming.
    Weiterlesen

  • DAY 47, 17 OCTOBER 24

    17. Oktober 2024 in Italien ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Yesterday my short walk was from Campagnano Di Roma to Formello. Easy. I arrived early and the owner was able to let me into my apartment 🤣
    Today I learnt about this remarkable Museum of Etruscan Roman archaeology. Hope these photos will interest you.
    Tomorrow Formello to La Storta.
    Rain is predicted and I'm trying to walk into Rome the day it's predicted to be light ☝️
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 49. 19 October 24

    19. Oktober 2024 in Italien ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    I have arrived in La Storta. Last day before Rome. The walk from Formello was 17+Ks. I felt it especially the last uphill section.
    Rest day today (19/Oct) and preparation for tomorrow's 19K walk into the Vatican city.
    Rain is not expected.
    All being well I will get my VF Credencial on 21st. 🤞
    PS evening La Storta dinners have been special. Photos will show my last night's main, desert+ vino. Tonight I enjoyed their Calamari with Prawns. Again a delicious choice. Staff are amazing.
    As you might have noticed the restaurant is called " Ciao Amicii".
    Weiterlesen

  • Day 51, 21 October 24

    20. Oktober 2024 in Vatikanstadt ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Yesterday @ 4pm-ish rubber legs staggered into St Peter's Cathedral and happily was granted his Testimonial.
    The 20+Ks trek from La Storta had its challenges but your wishes (and many Italian's, too) carried me through.
    Thinking of you all And of course family + Magic
    Lucky Brucee 🙏🥰
    PS fly home tomorrow 😆
    Weiterlesen