Pavia - Santa Cristina - Orio Litta 28 + 16 km, 24 and 25th of September

Yesterday was a long 28 km stretch walking for the most part on asfalt or tarmac as the English call it. It is tough on the feet walking on a hard surface with a 11 kg backpack. All other pilgrims also complained about it after arrival in the hostel in Santa Christa. I walked alone all day and as you walk along the street or through the fields or woods you use all your senses and I must say that one smells many different things like rotting crops on the fields or the sweet smell of flowers, cut grass, the canals, wastewater, pigfarms, a two-stroke scooter or just the ground when it has been raining. As the track for many km's went along boring roads I put up some music and that usually activates feelings and memories which came in abundance. All in all it was a good walk in a slight and cool drizzle. The hostel was a church owned donativo ( you pay whatever you feel like) which means there is nothing but a number of beds, a toilet, a shower and maybe a little kitchen to kook a simple meal. As it was we were 7 persons from both Australia, Japan, Holland and Italy and we went for a Pizza together. It was a very pleasant evening with exchange of experiences and a lot of laughter.

To day the 25th we were awakened by loud church bells at 07:00 and by 8 O'clock we were all having breakfast in the bar opposite the church ready for 16 km to Orio Litta. Also to day a rather dull walk through the Po valley and I arrived at the hostel of the Benedictine nuns at around 14:00. (also donativo) It was again a good day for walking with here and there a drizle of rain and a temperature of some 16 degrees C.

Very good facilities here inthe hostel at Orio Litta. A young pilgrim named Leanardo made a pasta with tuna in tomatosaus which we shared and we all went for a beer and something more to eat in the local bar at 18:00 hrs. When we wanted to pay for all the drinks and food ( it was only 74 Euro) for 8 people (cheap!) the Finish couple insisted on paying as Yarri had his birthday. Now on my bed at 20:00 hrs to write this blog and go to sleep as the lights are already out.

To morrow an early rise and a special 4 km boattrip on the Po river to get to the other side and walk on to Piacenza.