Finally, a bit of slack time here, back in our hotel room catching our breath, doing a bit of laundry in the sink, making a few notes in my travel journal, splashing some colour onto a few little sketches I made earlier, practising a spot of yoga to stretch out these bodies that are putting in the 10-kilometre days. . . We’ve been eating our big meal at lunch most days, but I made a reservation at a restaurant five minutes from here tonight — at 8:30, the earliest I could get. Not quite 7 as I write this, so I have time to share some photos first. You can help me resist the temptation to cancel and get into pjs (not that there was room for pjs in my carry-on; think metaphorical đ
Most of our kilometres here so far have been urban ones, feet on concrete or asphalt, but last weekend “the kids” picked us up and drove us out of Rome for a very satisfying and fascinating hike. Not only did we enjoy being in the woods, the forest floor under our feet occasionally festooned with cyclamen blooms, dotted with mushrooms, a stream burbling nearby, fragrance of newly fallen leaves, fresh air, tranquility, space. . . but besides all those delights, we were following the path of ancient Etruscans and learning something about their customs.
Apparently this path was carved out of the soft rock long ago. It seems to have been well-used for centuries, probably millennia.
I suspect it’s only in the last decades that we’ve needed reminders to respect our environment. The sign below says that “A clean environment is more beautiful. Let’s respect it!”
Time to fill water bottles . . . And while we’re at it, perhaps a clean doll is more beautiful as well . . .
The path hosts a number of small shrines to Mary along the way. This one asks that those who pass along this way turn their gaze to salute Maria. And the bench offers a comfortable seat for their contemplation or prayer. I suspect there must be processions along this path from the church in Blera on occasion as well. . .
At a few points the path broadened out for various uses . . . we passed chickens, small vegetable plots, a very small medieval church, as well as a splendid belvedere or viewpoint. . . and in the last stretch, we walked on a path with farms on either side before we came back into the small city.
And all the way, I was proving my granddaughter right and “taking too many photos” . . .
Acorns, clearly, but if this is an oak tree, it has different leaves than I’m used to . . . so I did a bit of Google research, and I’m guessing this is Quercux ilex or Holm oak.
I know, one “too many” photo. . . but they’re so attractive, these acorns. . .
Many more photos from this walk, but this morning (you know I didn’t finish this post all in one go! And yes, last night’s late dinner was very pleasant). . . this morning, we’re heading to see an exhibition at 11, and it’s a few kilometres from here. I can tell you more about that later . . . and you just know I’ll have taken “too many photos”! Meanwhile, if you’d like to see more photos from our walk, I posted a few on Instagram.
I hope you’ve enjoyed wandering with me. The post isn’t as cohesive as I’d like, but time is precious here and Rome beckons.
Ciao-ciao,
xo,
f
I just love this kind of walk . Ancient stone walls ,wild flowers , crumbling buildings & jewel like fungi – plus the knowledge that many , many feet have taken this same path over the centuries . Doing it with some of your favourite people is a bonus .
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It was all that, Wendy. A very good day!
I was completely immersed in this post. Thank you for the photos and writing. I felt as if I had a bit of a nature walk and the dreaming that starts with the mystery about the cadence of life behind houses, closed doors, buildings and little towns.
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Pleased to know you enjoyed it and walked with me a bit.
After many months of confinement, not sure you can take too many photos. Nice to capture the memories, the shapes, the colours before you in more ways than one. So glad you are having this time with the family…doing things you enjoy.
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It’s true, Mary. I seem to have a thirst for it right now. Capturing different views. . . . and then the time with family, so repleniushing.
All I see is Love and Happiness!
Baci
Dottoressa
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anche a te đ
what a beautiful and magical place! I too would have wondered what it might be like to live in that town you discovered.
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There were a few properties for sale as we walked through — couldn’t help peering through windows đ
Beautiful. Tell your granddaughter that your legion of devotées insisted on the photos, nothing you could do but answer;). And those maidenhair ferns growing from the fountain wall are SO pretty! Thank you.
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Aren’t they pretty, those maidenhair ferns?!
Love the photos! Never too many for me!
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Thanks, Elaine! Glad you enjoyed them.
Just catching up on these posts after returning from Italy earlier this week. I loved seeing the photos of this path. I was in Volterra last week, walking the footsteps of the Etruscans. So pleased to hear that the trip is providing you with happy time with family in a pleasant setting, as well as other significant pleasures.
I ended up greatly enjoying my time in Italy in October, which felt almost normal when one was on the street, and which was more cheering than I expected. That said, the travel part was not enjoyable. I will be going back at Christmas to be with family and equally I am not looking forward to the travel part. I am more risk averse than most, but I find the lightness with which others on planes and in airports take the travel restrictions disturbing. Fingers crossed for safe travel going forward, and I hope you continue to have a wonderful time with family. Your granddaughter sounds delightful.
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I’m glad to know that you enjoyed your October in Italy. But I agree with you that the travel itself is not fun, although we felt reasonably safe along the way. Just the added hoops to jump. . . fun to know we both walked with the Etruscans recently.
No such thing as too many photos….you must take them in the moment because there is no going back just to get the picture you wish you had taken….you can edit an perhaps delete later…
That red vine looks like poison ivy LOL
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It’s true, Lauren. And I have many that will be deleted.
I think the vine might be Parthenocissus something-something, and it’s gorgeous here right now. . .
Just perfect amount…but if you want to post more, I will be happy.
Ali
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Thanks, Ali! đ
Just lovely, both the photos and your descriptions of your walk. I’m so happy for you – spending quality and quantity time with your Rome-based loved ones.
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thanks, Carol. I’m pretty happy too! đ
What a lovely walk, full of the footsteps of thousands of years. The cyclamen are blooming in the wood where I walk these days, too, and it’s a connection to think of them growing along the wooded pathway so far across the world. Thanks for the postcard!
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I love that connection, Lorrie. Even the few cyclamen (cultured, obviously, not wild) growing in pots on my balcony will feel like a connection once we get back.
Thank goodness for âtoo many photosâ. Actually, Iâd have liked more!
That ancient bridge yielding to the earth.
Wild cyclamens – who knew? Iâve only ever seen them in pots, in nurseries.
Enchanting paths that widen and narrow.
Artfully dappled lichen and nibbled mushrooms.
How did I not know that belvedere means viewpoint? Of course it does!
Your delightful granddaughter and those vistas.
And this from a city girl who doesnât do hiking đ
Thank you for a glorious post x
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Youâre very welcome, Maria! And thanks for your thoughtful response.
Ah… I am late to this post. These are the kind of travel days we love as well. Walking, seeing “small” sights, villages, anything made of stone, gardens. Always makes me want to know what it feels like to live there.
I’m so happy that your trip has been good. I remember the disappointment when you had to cancel the last one. xo
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Thanks, Sue! It has been good, although different in ways Iâm still evaluating. And btw, I love the way youâre bringing your travel sensibilities to the areas closer by youâreally enjoying those posts and photos
That was some powerful vicarious travel–thank you!
So nice to see the little girl growing up.
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She really is! (As I imagine your little one is, walking or nearly now, and communicating ever more clearly
I too am late to comment having returned for a second read. I have more time today. So lovely to walk along with you and your family. Echoing others, there can never be too many photos ⊠especially at the moment when many of us are only travelling vicariously. Iâve really appreciated how youâve you shared your experiences. So very happy for you that you were finally able to make the trip!