Day 1: Rome to Castel Gandolfo

It was a great first day of walking. A little longer than I would have liked (31.19km), but very enjoyable all the same, even though it ended with a reasonably demanding climb - oh, Italy, you never fail to deliver. The weather was on the cool side, especially in the morning and at the end of the day - but, I'm not complaining. I was lucky enough to catch up to the only Priest in Saint Peter's Square at 8 am to receive a Pilgrims blessing (he didn't seem to be too happy, but performed his duties well, and in English). The exit from Rome was a bit of a sightseeing tour; I walked past the many of the great tourist spots: Castel San Angelo, Vittoriano, the Forum and the Colosseum. I was surprised to see my first Via Francigena sign before I left the city. The rest of the walk was pretty much a straight line on the ancient Roman road, the Via Appia Antica, which was littered with ancient ruins. My hatred of cobblestones has not diminished, so I was very grateful for the path on the side of the road, which meant I didn't have to walk on the stones. I'm feeling full of joy tonight and so grateful and happy that I am here. My accommodation tonight is outstanding. I'm a little shocked, there is a very large and well behaved dog in the very nice restaurant I'm eating at tonight!Read more