Aosta Valley

In keeping with the posh hotel, breakfast was possibly the biggest spread of the trip. Certainly since Canterbury. We did our best.

Another lovely day for walking. The route seemed to either go up or down in the morning. I do quite like level but it didn’t do much of that. Came upon an interesting water dispenser. For the princely sum of 7 cents the machine would dispense a litre of water, sparkling or still. Chilled even. Perfect for pilgrims. The only slight gripe is we have no idea when we might come upon such a machine. So we have to lug water around in case there aren’t any more machines.

Had a similar lunch to yesterday. Very pleasant although no chocolate. I am trying my best to cope with reduced rations. One curious episode at lunch. I went to the loo as is my custom on these occasions. It appeared to be occupied at least I was unable to open the door. Time passed. The barman passed a few times as well. No action. Eventually the barman pressed a buzzer behind the bar that released the door and he indicated I could enter. I know places in the UK often have signs saying toilets are for customers only but this is taking things to a new level. And why didn’t he open the door when he saw me waiting. Was it a power thing? If he doesn’t like the look of someone does he just never open the door? It might have been nice to notify folk of the procedure by a note on the door rather than leaving them standing with crossed legs indefinitely. Not impressed.

Passed an old tractor as we walked. Not an uncommon occurrence on this walk. Keith pointed out the manufacturer. Lamborghini. Keith says they also make motor cars and he found the combination of product lines quite interesting. I share this in case anyone else is equally enthralled.

I didn’t have an ice cream for lunch as I reckoned having one half way through the afternoon would provide a welcome break and a wee boost to help the weary legs. A suitable place was identified and progress towards it was tracked during the afternoon. Unsurprisingly, Sod’s Law being what it is, there was none to be had despite the village being quite a tourist trap in every other way.

Tonight’s accommodation was billed as a bed and breakfast. I had requested two private rooms for obvious reasons. Turned out that we were in a 2 bed apartment. One bedroom had a double bed and a camp bed. It was indicated that the camp bed should be used by one of us. The other bedroom has 4 bunk beds. Food was laid out for breakfast including possibly the largest dod of cheese I have ever seen. The only slight quirky thing, and isn’t there always some quirky thing, is that a lady is joining us for breakfast. She is sleeping in another apartment, presumably on the same stair and we are to keep our door unlocked so she can simply came in whenever she wants. Hope she isn’t an early riser and has a strong constitution. I believe I can look a little scary if woken early in the morning, i.e. any time before 9am.

The only restaurant in town seemed to be some sort of New York pizza place. Didn’t tempt us so we picked up some bits and pieces at a local deli instead. Very nice and we even tried to make some inroads in the hundred pound block of cheese as well.Read more