Rome 19/9/17
Day 46
To Rome 20 km
Sun and clouds
0630 Departure from the convent.
Find our way to Monte Mario using
Sloways.
The first vista towards the Vatican is
exhilarating and calls for a Quiet Moment.
The sun is rising over the city.
The park itself is unmaintained:
graffiti, weeds, damaged paths and signs.
We step on, feeling a lightness of
spirit as we reach St Peter's Square.
Of course I feel triumphant; this is
Rome. I am here. I have walked a very long way-mostly alone.
I am awash with a feeling of
warmth and peace which I recognise simply, as, gratitude.
The morning is bathed in a mellow glow
as we sit on the ground in the square quite unfazed by the
frenetic activity of tourists amassing.
We make our way towards the police
guard, wishing to collect my reserved ticket to the Papal Audience
the next day. I am met with brash rudeness and not allowed to pass
through. I then approach the Swiss Guards who shake their heads at
the arrogance of the police and suggest trying again when there's a
change of staff.
The second attempt is successful; by
chance I meet the Brits who have had the same experience with
impatient officials. There's no recognition at all of the Via
Francigena pilgrimage. Once through into the Vatican, there's a sense
of unease because of the level of security.
The certificate is stamped and handed
to me with just a fleeting upwards glance from Mr Vatican Official.
There's a convent along the river which
is famous for its authenticity. Run by nuns, it is welcoming,
traditional and even has a foot-bathing ceremony for pilgrims. This
is where my Danish friend and I head.
It's closed.
Plumbing Problems.
I'm not surprised.
There's another Ostello but the phone
isn't answering. And another which is closed also (I wonder why?)
After some searching and more mileage
on foot, we find a reasonably priced hotel in close proximity to St
Peter's.
Soon I will need to think; in a space
alone and unhurried.
10 Breakfast
15 Lunch
28 Dinner
64 Hotel (shared room)
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