A new year - a new pilgrimage. In two weeks I am heading over to Timor-Leste to experience the work of Marist Solidarity in the schools over there. I don't know much about the place but my journey has already started - vaccinations on Thursday - and my research will begin this week.
Sunday, March 17, 2024
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Days 33 and 34 - London - Melbourne.
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| Tommi, Aurelia, Clare and Tancredi in London |
Although this was two days of travelling, I thought it was worth recording the stories of a few people I met in my final hours OS. Together with some of my favourite shots.
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| Sukun and Krishnan in Singapore |
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| Gordon, Roane and Laura in Whitby, UK |
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| Sheila and Bob in Moffat, Scotland |
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| With Rose from Germany |
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| Andy, Louis and I on the Camino |
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| Hannah VG and I in Florence |
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| Lucy in Brighton ,UK |
Day 32 - Brighton - London - Thursday 13th October
Went for a walk along the Brighton promenade this morning. Surprised by the cleanliness of the beach front - particularly after experiencing the Ostia beach in Rome. But also the stone instead of sand was a bit strange - clean but strange - and very hard to walk on.
There were sheltered seats regularly along this well used promenade that had homeless men sleeping on each one. At least a dozen on this stretch with cyclists, runners, walkers, dogs moving past at regular intervals. It felt weird and sad.
A leisurely morning, as I had no plans, except head up to London at some stage. I walked again back to the Brighton station checking out the shops in this really nice town. No wonder so many people like to live here. Lucy said the rental prices are similar to the expensive London market however a much nicer place to live I fancy, if you didn't mind the time and expense of commuting to London - which many do apparently.
When the express arrived at Victoria Station, with a bit of help from Google, I walked to my next hotel in Paddington, through the gorgeous Hyde Park. So big a green space in the city. With some delightful scenes of squirrels and ducks and people enjoying the tranquil nature of this place.
The Metro Hotel in Paddington was right in the middle of things and my small single room with a shared bathroom up the stairs and it's balcony that looked on to the street, was just the place I hoped for to end my OS holiday. I decided to go to Les Mis at West End that night and so, after booking a cheap seat, I was able to find a charity shop that was able to deck me out in suitable attire for the night. Perfect.
The show was magnificent. My seat required a lot of leaning forward, as the website had advised me before I bought it, but I didn't mind. I met this lovely woman from Norway who was watching the show for the 40th time. Usually she watched it here at the Queen’s Theatre, making the trip over at least twice a year on average I worked out. Amazing.
The trip home at 11pm on the underground was also awesome. It was then I realised how impressive the underground was. It was just like the board game that Pauline had brought with her so many years ago that my siblings and I used to love playing. I recently was able to play it again when Lily's friend, Eddie Laverack, brought it over on Lily's birthday earlier this year.
It was hard to get to sleep this night as it was noisy on the street, hot in the room and an early rise time (5:30) meant it was hard to rest worrying about sleeping through the alarm.
Day 31 - Roma 4 - Brighton - October 12
Day 31 - Roma - Brighton UK
Starting this blog in the Queens Theatre waiting for the show to begin. You'll have to read tomorrow's entry to read what I'm seeing.
Yesterday started off a bit more relaxed as I found out last night, instead of an hour + train ride into the city and out again there was a shuttle leaving from Lido station directly to the airport. So I went for a walk along the promenade next to the beach. A pleasant walk that time in the morning but this certainly is a gold mine of a beach that has been let go. It's like the Italians don't care.
A bit of a rush when I got back with breakfast in a big dining hall by myself, followed by shower, collecting my things strewn across the large room and packing my bag. I had become quite good at stuffing my daypack into my blue back pack so I only had one to carry. It weighed only around twelve kgs together which was reasonable on the Camino and easier to manage on public transport as well.
The bus, the airport, the flight to the UK all went smoothly. I was hoping for a window seat but was given an aisle so I was resigned to that until when I got on the plane the couple in the seats next time asked me if I wanted the window - they preferred to be able to get out easier. A well-travelled British couple who rather surprisingly admitted they preferred to only go to English speaking countries and had an alarming level of intolerance for the Spanish air hostess - I was so glad they swapped with me because it was a clear day and I was able to see the Italian coastline, the Swiss Alps and a great view of the South English countryside. I took photos like an unashamed tourist.
The Gatwick airport was great, quiet and easy to get to the station nearby on a free monorail. Google Maps suggested a twenty minute walk was best but I went around in a circle that ended up at the previously undiscovered free shuttle service. Google is not always right.
The Gatwick Express got me down to Brighton in only about 20 minutes with no stops. I found out too late about the free wifi (and the phone charging point) on the train and my phone was near dead so the email from niece Lucy Morris was read too late. She was going to my hostel directly by bike and I had arrived at Brighton at the same time. I wasn't sure how to get to the hostel and should have taken a taxi in hindsight but in the end I walked and it took 40 minutes. Meanwhile Lucy was trying to find me and went to the station before finally I was able to plug in my phone at the hostel- which I thankfully found without too much trouble- and I was able to contact Lucy again. " Stay there!" Lucy commanded and I was happy because my second storey room had a view of the beach and the street and I was able to sit at my window and have a cup of tea looking out the window as I waited.
Smart Sea View Brighton 9-12 St Catherine's Terrace, Hove. I recommend it - being the new Trip Advisor expert
It was great to see Lucy again. Probably around ten years since I had seen her, but she was friendly, delightful company and very accommodating for her long lost uncle, particularly as it was a busy night for her. We had Fresh Hake and Chips together and after her Italian class I walked up to her house, walked the dog to the pub and had a beer together.
"This is England, Peter," she said and the dog came into the pub with us - much to the delight of the other patrons. We shared stories over a pint and then later she drove me back to the hostel in her cool VW combi camper van- a long held dream of hers.
Starting this blog in the Queens Theatre waiting for the show to begin. You'll have to read tomorrow's entry to read what I'm seeing.
Yesterday started off a bit more relaxed as I found out last night, instead of an hour + train ride into the city and out again there was a shuttle leaving from Lido station directly to the airport. So I went for a walk along the promenade next to the beach. A pleasant walk that time in the morning but this certainly is a gold mine of a beach that has been let go. It's like the Italians don't care.
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| The Italian beach at Ostia |
A bit of a rush when I got back with breakfast in a big dining hall by myself, followed by shower, collecting my things strewn across the large room and packing my bag. I had become quite good at stuffing my daypack into my blue back pack so I only had one to carry. It weighed only around twelve kgs together which was reasonable on the Camino and easier to manage on public transport as well.
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| Lius Roma Hostel - from the back |
The bus, the airport, the flight to the UK all went smoothly. I was hoping for a window seat but was given an aisle so I was resigned to that until when I got on the plane the couple in the seats next time asked me if I wanted the window - they preferred to be able to get out easier. A well-travelled British couple who rather surprisingly admitted they preferred to only go to English speaking countries and had an alarming level of intolerance for the Spanish air hostess - I was so glad they swapped with me because it was a clear day and I was able to see the Italian coastline, the Swiss Alps and a great view of the South English countryside. I took photos like an unashamed tourist.
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| A View of the Swiss Alps |
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| I'm sure this jet only just missed us! |
The Gatwick airport was great, quiet and easy to get to the station nearby on a free monorail. Google Maps suggested a twenty minute walk was best but I went around in a circle that ended up at the previously undiscovered free shuttle service. Google is not always right.
The Gatwick Express got me down to Brighton in only about 20 minutes with no stops. I found out too late about the free wifi (and the phone charging point) on the train and my phone was near dead so the email from niece Lucy Morris was read too late. She was going to my hostel directly by bike and I had arrived at Brighton at the same time. I wasn't sure how to get to the hostel and should have taken a taxi in hindsight but in the end I walked and it took 40 minutes. Meanwhile Lucy was trying to find me and went to the station before finally I was able to plug in my phone at the hostel- which I thankfully found without too much trouble- and I was able to contact Lucy again. " Stay there!" Lucy commanded and I was happy because my second storey room had a view of the beach and the street and I was able to sit at my window and have a cup of tea looking out the window as I waited.
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| Smart Sea at Brighton. My window was just above the entrance |
Smart Sea View Brighton 9-12 St Catherine's Terrace, Hove. I recommend it - being the new Trip Advisor expert
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| Lucy Morris and her dog - whose name escapes me as I write this a month later. |
It was great to see Lucy again. Probably around ten years since I had seen her, but she was friendly, delightful company and very accommodating for her long lost uncle, particularly as it was a busy night for her. We had Fresh Hake and Chips together and after her Italian class I walked up to her house, walked the dog to the pub and had a beer together.
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| Having a pint with Lucy |
"This is England, Peter," she said and the dog came into the pub with us - much to the delight of the other patrons. We shared stories over a pint and then later she drove me back to the hostel in her cool VW combi camper van- a long held dream of hers.
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| Lucy and her Combi Camper |
Day 30 - Roma 3 - Tuesday 11th October.
Day 30 - Roma 3 - October 11th
Arnie's birthday. This was the second of my children's birthdays I missed as April's was the week before when I was in the Camino. I had contacted Arnie the night before just before she headed off to school and had a good chat to her on FaceTime this morning before she went off with Jane and the girls for tea. I was glad. I've been eating out all month and it hit home how much a treat that is when we are at home.
Walked to the Lido Centro railway station, stopping half way at the fruit shop to buy some fruit as I did the day before- those grapes yesterday really sustained me. The graffiti mobile trip into town went quickly. Here in London at the moment, I read in the paper yesterday that one train was abruptly taken out of service in the middle of its run because of a piece of sexually inappropriate graffiti. I guess they do take notice.
I caught a few other connecting trains until I'd travelled around the city underground. Roma's rail system is just as efficient as London's I found - just not as extensive or interactive. The trains seemed wider though - if that's possible.
I had booked a tour for the three parts of the Vatican I'd saved to see today which I was very glad about. The queue for the museum was quite long and although we still had to wait a bit, it was nowhere near as long. Half an hour instead of 2-3 hours I believe. It was also nice to have company and someone talking to you in your ear the whole time about interesting stuff.
The museums was first. There were more than collection as rich popes added to existing collections as they were elected. I'm not sure how I feel about all the church's wealth and opulence. I guess though it was similar the Medici's wealth in Florence and these guys were kings as well as church heads. At least our papa now is much humbler than these popes of a past era.
With the large number of people moving through the hallways I felt a bit like cattle being herded into the milking shed - the Sistine Chapel - and found myself wanting to be there much quicker than we were. I did enjoy the map section
and learning a bit more about the tapestries. Also about Michelangelo. His history was fascinating and our guide painted the picture if his development as an artist and the works in the Vatican that influenced him.
The chapel itself was awe- inspiring however once again - too many people in there to really enjoy it. The guards who kept on calling out on the PA in there "Silenzio ... No photo... No video." Kept me amused though. As did those people who were trying to take sneaky photos, protected by the people they were with. Some people just can't help themselves. I've realised on this trip how there is a balance that needs to be struck between recording your memories with a camera, taking photos artistically and the important need to put the camera away and be in the present. It is a decision that needs to be made every time the button is pushed. I must admit though it has been a struggle for me.
The art work in the chapel was spectacular I must admit and more creative by far than any work in churches i had seen to date. I really wanted to buy a jigsaw puzzle to look at and appreciate the work more. I missed the chance in the cattle run unfortunately and never had the opportunity again.
The best part of the tour was the end though. St Peter's Basillica. The biggest church in the world. According to the guide and my memory, it is 220 metres from the back of the church to the altar, over 100 metres wide and can fit 60,000 people - I'll have to check that later. It doesn't seem right. The square out the front can hold 150,000 people she said ... And it was set up for an outdoor mass and there were a lot of seats. A Michelangelo sculpture was particularly impressive here
As was the crypt of past popes. Some didn't hold the job very long I noticed. I stood near the tomb of St Peter - sounded pretty legitimate too - unlike a lot of Jesus' places in the Holy Land.
When the tour was finished I went for a wander. It was dreary outside - a bit of rain and I was ether tired. Tried to find. Place to eat but nothing interested me. Went to the place called the Castle of Angels. Built a long time ago - vague of me I know - to defend the Vatican area I think. Luck for my Roma card which allowed me to skip the queue and pay half price .... Because it wasn't really worth it as a museum - it did have a good vantage point to see the whole city ... which I guess was worth the 5€
I wandered some more but I was very hungry. It was around 3:30 so I decided to stop at a restaurant for a meal that would do for both lunch and tea. A pizza. It wasn't the friendliest of places and service was poor. I wished I'd waited a bit longer and bought some fresh pasta for 5€ like Hannah bought for us uni Florence. Local knowledge you see.
After this more wandering a. Found a nicer fountain than the Trevi in my opinion with hardly any one around it. Bought an ice cream, stupidly perhaps as it was starting to rain a little. I discovered of the map if I found and followed the river, I would eventually get to where I wanted.
Success and what's beautiful walk it was. Away from the crowds.
Too bad I didn't count on the storm. Boy did get wet. And I was so pigheaded that I kept walking. By the time I for to the station it had toned right done. I should have waited. My pants were dripping wet and I found out later my charger was in the bag and when I checked out later inwardly short circuited the hostel. The cool guy sitting next to me in the train got more than he bargained for when he was forced to lean up against me. He thought he'd missed our getting wet.
That night I was in my room by myself which was good because I'd strangers my wet clothes on all the bed ends.
Tea was dip and crackers. It was enough. The receptionist was very helpful. He tried recharging my phone from his computer but by 10:30 it was still only half charged. I was going to be in trouble the next day - I correctly guessed.
Arnie's birthday. This was the second of my children's birthdays I missed as April's was the week before when I was in the Camino. I had contacted Arnie the night before just before she headed off to school and had a good chat to her on FaceTime this morning before she went off with Jane and the girls for tea. I was glad. I've been eating out all month and it hit home how much a treat that is when we are at home.
Walked to the Lido Centro railway station, stopping half way at the fruit shop to buy some fruit as I did the day before- those grapes yesterday really sustained me. The graffiti mobile trip into town went quickly. Here in London at the moment, I read in the paper yesterday that one train was abruptly taken out of service in the middle of its run because of a piece of sexually inappropriate graffiti. I guess they do take notice.
I caught a few other connecting trains until I'd travelled around the city underground. Roma's rail system is just as efficient as London's I found - just not as extensive or interactive. The trains seemed wider though - if that's possible.
I had booked a tour for the three parts of the Vatican I'd saved to see today which I was very glad about. The queue for the museum was quite long and although we still had to wait a bit, it was nowhere near as long. Half an hour instead of 2-3 hours I believe. It was also nice to have company and someone talking to you in your ear the whole time about interesting stuff.
The museums was first. There were more than collection as rich popes added to existing collections as they were elected. I'm not sure how I feel about all the church's wealth and opulence. I guess though it was similar the Medici's wealth in Florence and these guys were kings as well as church heads. At least our papa now is much humbler than these popes of a past era.
With the large number of people moving through the hallways I felt a bit like cattle being herded into the milking shed - the Sistine Chapel - and found myself wanting to be there much quicker than we were. I did enjoy the map section
and learning a bit more about the tapestries. Also about Michelangelo. His history was fascinating and our guide painted the picture if his development as an artist and the works in the Vatican that influenced him.
The chapel itself was awe- inspiring however once again - too many people in there to really enjoy it. The guards who kept on calling out on the PA in there "Silenzio ... No photo... No video." Kept me amused though. As did those people who were trying to take sneaky photos, protected by the people they were with. Some people just can't help themselves. I've realised on this trip how there is a balance that needs to be struck between recording your memories with a camera, taking photos artistically and the important need to put the camera away and be in the present. It is a decision that needs to be made every time the button is pushed. I must admit though it has been a struggle for me.
The art work in the chapel was spectacular I must admit and more creative by far than any work in churches i had seen to date. I really wanted to buy a jigsaw puzzle to look at and appreciate the work more. I missed the chance in the cattle run unfortunately and never had the opportunity again.
The best part of the tour was the end though. St Peter's Basillica. The biggest church in the world. According to the guide and my memory, it is 220 metres from the back of the church to the altar, over 100 metres wide and can fit 60,000 people - I'll have to check that later. It doesn't seem right. The square out the front can hold 150,000 people she said ... And it was set up for an outdoor mass and there were a lot of seats. A Michelangelo sculpture was particularly impressive here
As was the crypt of past popes. Some didn't hold the job very long I noticed. I stood near the tomb of St Peter - sounded pretty legitimate too - unlike a lot of Jesus' places in the Holy Land.
When the tour was finished I went for a wander. It was dreary outside - a bit of rain and I was ether tired. Tried to find. Place to eat but nothing interested me. Went to the place called the Castle of Angels. Built a long time ago - vague of me I know - to defend the Vatican area I think. Luck for my Roma card which allowed me to skip the queue and pay half price .... Because it wasn't really worth it as a museum - it did have a good vantage point to see the whole city ... which I guess was worth the 5€
I wandered some more but I was very hungry. It was around 3:30 so I decided to stop at a restaurant for a meal that would do for both lunch and tea. A pizza. It wasn't the friendliest of places and service was poor. I wished I'd waited a bit longer and bought some fresh pasta for 5€ like Hannah bought for us uni Florence. Local knowledge you see.
After this more wandering a. Found a nicer fountain than the Trevi in my opinion with hardly any one around it. Bought an ice cream, stupidly perhaps as it was starting to rain a little. I discovered of the map if I found and followed the river, I would eventually get to where I wanted.
Success and what's beautiful walk it was. Away from the crowds.
Too bad I didn't count on the storm. Boy did get wet. And I was so pigheaded that I kept walking. By the time I for to the station it had toned right done. I should have waited. My pants were dripping wet and I found out later my charger was in the bag and when I checked out later inwardly short circuited the hostel. The cool guy sitting next to me in the train got more than he bargained for when he was forced to lean up against me. He thought he'd missed our getting wet.
That night I was in my room by myself which was good because I'd strangers my wet clothes on all the bed ends.
Tea was dip and crackers. It was enough. The receptionist was very helpful. He tried recharging my phone from his computer but by 10:30 it was still only half charged. I was going to be in trouble the next day - I correctly guessed.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Day 29. - Roma 2 - Monday October 10
Day 29. Roma 2 Monday October 10
The day began on the middle of the night really when the only other guest in my 6 bed dorm arrived trying to get into the room. The Italian locks can be quite tricky. 2:30 am - just arrived in the ferry was all the info I got from him. He promptly went to sleep and I was left awake😳
Breakfast was provided at this quiet establishment but I had to get the lady away from reception to help get things together. I really think I was one of only 6 who stayed last night and four of those were a young family.
Over breakfast I tried to decide what to see and after some research I discovered that Roma had similar things to offer as London did for a person like me. Hop on hop off bus tours and a Roma pass that got me a lit of cool bargains. So off I went to the city, more confident in what I was about to do than I was last night. First stop Colosseum and I'd go from there.
The train trip was interesting. I saw three dogs that were travelling with their owners. The tincy wincy one next to me sat quite still the whole trip and followed his master off the train - all without a lead. The second thing I noticed was the whole train was covered in graffiti art. Almost as if it was commissioned.
The colosseum was big. Huge. Colossal. I wandered around the growing queues wondering how I could avoid them. Did I really want to go in. I eventually found a place that was selling the Roma Pass which gave me free entry to the first place I went to as well as allowed me to join the very short queue. It only took 30 minutes to get in. No drinks allowed. And bags through a scanner. Inside was brilliant... Although crowded. I let the photos that will eventually go here do the talking.
After this I confidently set off walking but soon got lost. Google maps told me I was heading in the complete wrong direction. I had been tossing up whether to buy the hop on hop off bus tour - there were 6 buses to choose from and spruikers everywhere - so in the end I allowed one guy to talk me into it. And on the bus I went.
I think I used it well. I got off to check out Michaelangelo's steps and one of the SantaMaria basilicas ( there are a few) then after a spot of pasta for lunch I was back on again, resisted getting off at the Vatican - that's tomorrow - and instead got off to check out the Trevi fountain. Too many people for my liking. So I bought an ice cream and spent time being one of the few people not spending all their time behind their phones/cameras. I did take some pics though I cannot tell too big a lie.
Back on again for a part of the trip that took too long and spent 15 outside the Termini - main train station - I don't know why. I was starting to regret this bus ticket thing although it did allow me to see a whole lot more of the city than I would have seen on foot.
I got off again back at the Colosseum and went the other way. It was 4:30 by the and the wasn't a line for the Forum. Little did I realise how big this was. I'm not sure if it was free to get in but the Roma Card was scanned and in I went. This place was awesome. I really had a sense of this place 2000 years ago. Ruins yes but so many explanations I could just see it. I also went crazy with the camera as the late afternoon light and rain clouds combined with the ruins made for some arty shots.
After this I went cruising with the crowd and ended up at the REAL Michaelangelo steps and they lead up to .... The museum. It was 5:30 and closing time was 7:30 so I took the opportunity to explore do many sculptures and Roman heads whilst the crowds were thin. Much preferred time. And great fun.
Lost again after that. It was dark and I needed to consult google again because the map was getting too hard to read. Found my way then and half way back to the station I stopped for tea at a pizzeria.
Eventually found my way back to the hostel at 9 o'clock - even though I promised myself to be home before dark. It was ok though and I am so glad I had such an awesome day in Roma.
The day began on the middle of the night really when the only other guest in my 6 bed dorm arrived trying to get into the room. The Italian locks can be quite tricky. 2:30 am - just arrived in the ferry was all the info I got from him. He promptly went to sleep and I was left awake😳
Breakfast was provided at this quiet establishment but I had to get the lady away from reception to help get things together. I really think I was one of only 6 who stayed last night and four of those were a young family.
Over breakfast I tried to decide what to see and after some research I discovered that Roma had similar things to offer as London did for a person like me. Hop on hop off bus tours and a Roma pass that got me a lit of cool bargains. So off I went to the city, more confident in what I was about to do than I was last night. First stop Colosseum and I'd go from there.
The train trip was interesting. I saw three dogs that were travelling with their owners. The tincy wincy one next to me sat quite still the whole trip and followed his master off the train - all without a lead. The second thing I noticed was the whole train was covered in graffiti art. Almost as if it was commissioned.
The colosseum was big. Huge. Colossal. I wandered around the growing queues wondering how I could avoid them. Did I really want to go in. I eventually found a place that was selling the Roma Pass which gave me free entry to the first place I went to as well as allowed me to join the very short queue. It only took 30 minutes to get in. No drinks allowed. And bags through a scanner. Inside was brilliant... Although crowded. I let the photos that will eventually go here do the talking.
After this I confidently set off walking but soon got lost. Google maps told me I was heading in the complete wrong direction. I had been tossing up whether to buy the hop on hop off bus tour - there were 6 buses to choose from and spruikers everywhere - so in the end I allowed one guy to talk me into it. And on the bus I went.
I think I used it well. I got off to check out Michaelangelo's steps and one of the SantaMaria basilicas ( there are a few) then after a spot of pasta for lunch I was back on again, resisted getting off at the Vatican - that's tomorrow - and instead got off to check out the Trevi fountain. Too many people for my liking. So I bought an ice cream and spent time being one of the few people not spending all their time behind their phones/cameras. I did take some pics though I cannot tell too big a lie.
Back on again for a part of the trip that took too long and spent 15 outside the Termini - main train station - I don't know why. I was starting to regret this bus ticket thing although it did allow me to see a whole lot more of the city than I would have seen on foot.
I got off again back at the Colosseum and went the other way. It was 4:30 by the and the wasn't a line for the Forum. Little did I realise how big this was. I'm not sure if it was free to get in but the Roma Card was scanned and in I went. This place was awesome. I really had a sense of this place 2000 years ago. Ruins yes but so many explanations I could just see it. I also went crazy with the camera as the late afternoon light and rain clouds combined with the ruins made for some arty shots.
After this I went cruising with the crowd and ended up at the REAL Michaelangelo steps and they lead up to .... The museum. It was 5:30 and closing time was 7:30 so I took the opportunity to explore do many sculptures and Roman heads whilst the crowds were thin. Much preferred time. And great fun.
Lost again after that. It was dark and I needed to consult google again because the map was getting too hard to read. Found my way then and half way back to the station I stopped for tea at a pizzeria.
Eventually found my way back to the hostel at 9 o'clock - even though I promised myself to be home before dark. It was ok though and I am so glad I had such an awesome day in Roma.
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Day 28 - Assisi 3 - Roma 1 - Sunday 9th October.
Day 28 - Assisi 3 - Roma 1
Started the day with Mass in the mist. It was meant to be in English but I was a little disappointed when it was in .... American. We learnt which states each of the seven priests were from. I learnt how expressive these Americans can be when they give their response - Their hands were up often I must say. I witnessed a recommitment ceremony which was a first. We learnt a bit more about Thanksgiving in the sermon. And at the end of mass the priest said how glad he was to share this mass with people from the States. I felt like putting my hand up and saying excuse me but I'm here as well but I was afraid the others would all put up their hands and say A- men. That would have been too much to bear.
I caught a bus out of Assisi as people were streaming in by foot - carrying peace flags. Today was a big day for Assisi as a destination for a peace walk obviously but unfortunately - or fortunately , I'm not sure which - I was going in the opposite direction. The train ride was fastish but I was disappointed not to have a PowerPoint like last time and I paid the extra 5€ for first class too. 15€ in total for a 2 hour+ train ride was still pretty good I thought. I took a 12:34 shot on the train but it wasn't very exciting.
I changed trains twice on this journey and ended up on the beach. In Rome but not in Rome. Probably 40 minutes out.
Not sure about the neighbourhood though. A lot of tall security fences and security locks as well as graffiti and rubbish. I think I'll make sure I get inside before it's too sark. I don't feel to safe here.
After putting some washing on, I wandered down to the beach to find I was standing in a section of beach called "free beach". I wasn't sure if this referred to what you could wear - as there was some evidence of this interpretation. Or free because there was no cost. Or maybe it was that you were free to behave as you wished - because by the dancing by the semi clad woman with the man playing the von goes, this would suggest a correct interpretation. Or you were free to move about - however it was sectioned off - as it was across the whole length both ways. As it turned out, it referred to the fact that it was open to anyone. Other sections were allocated to different resorts on the beach road behind. Needless to say my hostel " resort" had no such allocation.
The beach on this Sunday afternoon reminded me a little of Whitby - see first week in UK - a lot if people down at the only beach available to them , enjoying the weather and relaxed atmosphere. I found I was walking faster than atone else.... Which was odd because I didn't know where i was going.
I returned the hostel and spoke for a while to Aprilonthe early hours of Aus. as my washing was in the dryer. I missed the sun going down over the water but hopefully I went the next two nights. Caught the aftermath though it was beautiful.
After getting advice from the people at reception, iignoredthatBd ended upstairs Spanish restaurant having another go at Pulpa ( octopus) but I read a tapas only and not fulfilling enough for someone who missed lunch. So I ordered some Calamari as well. Writing blogs at tea has become the norm I'm afraid to say. I don't really enjoy eating alone not just at my table ... No one else eating here.
Back to the Litus Roma Hostel soon where I hope there will beat few more people to talk to. At the moment the odds a number about 6;1 and that one. Ise. I may have a six bed dorm to myself yet.
Quiet night I guess - maybe after an ice cream ... And after I finish my titto. 😊 half a litre is al ittle too much I think.
Ah someone else has arrived but time to go.
Started the day with Mass in the mist. It was meant to be in English but I was a little disappointed when it was in .... American. We learnt which states each of the seven priests were from. I learnt how expressive these Americans can be when they give their response - Their hands were up often I must say. I witnessed a recommitment ceremony which was a first. We learnt a bit more about Thanksgiving in the sermon. And at the end of mass the priest said how glad he was to share this mass with people from the States. I felt like putting my hand up and saying excuse me but I'm here as well but I was afraid the others would all put up their hands and say A- men. That would have been too much to bear.
I caught a bus out of Assisi as people were streaming in by foot - carrying peace flags. Today was a big day for Assisi as a destination for a peace walk obviously but unfortunately - or fortunately , I'm not sure which - I was going in the opposite direction. The train ride was fastish but I was disappointed not to have a PowerPoint like last time and I paid the extra 5€ for first class too. 15€ in total for a 2 hour+ train ride was still pretty good I thought. I took a 12:34 shot on the train but it wasn't very exciting.
I changed trains twice on this journey and ended up on the beach. In Rome but not in Rome. Probably 40 minutes out.
Not sure about the neighbourhood though. A lot of tall security fences and security locks as well as graffiti and rubbish. I think I'll make sure I get inside before it's too sark. I don't feel to safe here.
After putting some washing on, I wandered down to the beach to find I was standing in a section of beach called "free beach". I wasn't sure if this referred to what you could wear - as there was some evidence of this interpretation. Or free because there was no cost. Or maybe it was that you were free to behave as you wished - because by the dancing by the semi clad woman with the man playing the von goes, this would suggest a correct interpretation. Or you were free to move about - however it was sectioned off - as it was across the whole length both ways. As it turned out, it referred to the fact that it was open to anyone. Other sections were allocated to different resorts on the beach road behind. Needless to say my hostel " resort" had no such allocation.
The beach on this Sunday afternoon reminded me a little of Whitby - see first week in UK - a lot if people down at the only beach available to them , enjoying the weather and relaxed atmosphere. I found I was walking faster than atone else.... Which was odd because I didn't know where i was going.
I returned the hostel and spoke for a while to Aprilonthe early hours of Aus. as my washing was in the dryer. I missed the sun going down over the water but hopefully I went the next two nights. Caught the aftermath though it was beautiful.
After getting advice from the people at reception, iignoredthatBd ended upstairs Spanish restaurant having another go at Pulpa ( octopus) but I read a tapas only and not fulfilling enough for someone who missed lunch. So I ordered some Calamari as well. Writing blogs at tea has become the norm I'm afraid to say. I don't really enjoy eating alone not just at my table ... No one else eating here.
Back to the Litus Roma Hostel soon where I hope there will beat few more people to talk to. At the moment the odds a number about 6;1 and that one. Ise. I may have a six bed dorm to myself yet.
Quiet night I guess - maybe after an ice cream ... And after I finish my titto. 😊 half a litre is al ittle too much I think.
Ah someone else has arrived but time to go.
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