Pavia

Was told last night that breakfast was at 7am because other pilgrims had requested that. Bit odd as breakfast is just a cold buffet. Essentially croissant or bread, some meat and cheese (sometimes), yogurt, maybe some fruit, and coffee. Anyway, after what seems like a lifetime of training, I did as I was told. No sign of the other pilgrims. No matter, it got me going before the day got unpleasant. Not sure if I’ve mentioned the heat but it is still over 30C every day even after 7pm. Apart from a couple of days going over the col I feel it has been too hot for weeks now.

Mostly obvious paths or on road but did have the occasional “try and find the path” moment. Nothing too tricky. What was difficult was finding somewhere to have a seat in the shade for a bite to eat and a rest. Just nothing so I ploughed on and completed the 15 mile day in one go. Did mean I arrived in Pavia for a 1pm lunch prior to checking in at 2pm. Rested up for a couple of hours which meant it was very slightly cooler for having a look at Pavia. Nice covered bridge (recent reconstruction of a 1354 one which itself was a reconstruction of a Roman one). And a couple of churches. Service taking place in one with about 10 attendees at most. Struck by how similar it seemed to my ignorant eye compared to the Church of England one back in Canterbury. Apart from the lack of singing.

Dinner tonight was at a recommended restaurant nearby where my hostess had arranged a 12€ pilgrim’s menu for her guests. All very well but it meant that instead of a menu which I could take my time over translating the waiter just reeled off some choices and I could pick. At random because my Italian is non-existent. Ended up with spicy pasta followed by fried fish and salad, and then tiramisu. Could have been a lot worse.Read more