Rest day in Aosta! So then you would expect that I would sleep until noon. Well, that was a bit the plan. Except that at 7h30 this morning, they decided to trim all the hedges around my room. I think they hadn't done this for years, but today was the day. It gave me the chance to take an early start. First, I went to the supermarket. I still have to get used to Italian supermarkets. Pasta and mozarella everywhere, but I couldn't find the fruit. And big shock, they had no pain au chocolat. Afterwards, it was time for my weekly trip to the self-service laundry. Never had it before, but here there was a big flatscreen tv where you could watch a talkshow in which people where shouting at each other in Italian. When nobody was watching, I turned the tv off. And then, it was time for siesta. I was in the south now.
Leaving Aosta without visiting it would be a shame. The province of Aosta is actually the smallest of all Italian provinces. The capital is home to over half a million people. There is a big steel plant that dominates the skyline and the suburbs are not pretty. But the city center is fascinating and great fun. Aosta was founded in 25BC and many Roman landmarks survived. The Porta Pretoria was part of the city walls and now houses the tourist office. There I went to get my pilgrims passport stamped. There is also the Arch of Augustus and the facade of the Roman theater. The last one is very high and in the middle of the city so easy to see you would think. But no, whatever street you try, something blocks the view. To really see it, you have to pay. I went to the desk and without hesitation, the man charged me the student price. It is true that I'm not 40 yet. The streets in the center are a maze and it is great fun just to get lost. All historical buildings are now surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants. Shopping was not for me. If I would have bought something, I had to carry it to Rome. So if somebody buys too much, take that person on a pilgrimage. I wandered around town for three hours without noticing the time. When I walked back to my room, I marvelled at the beautiful mountains that surround the city. What a place! Tomorrow is a big day. Then I leave the high peaks of the Alps behind to start making my way through the foothills. Chatillon will be the first stop. It won't be flat. There is more than 1000m of climbing and 1000m of descending spread over 28km. I feel ready for it. A big thank you to everybody who already donated to Make a Wish. Together we will make a difference. For all those who still would like to help, check the link https://www.inactievoormakeawish.be/fund.../dimitri-lanssens
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AuthorMy name is Dimitri and I'm turning 40 in 2023. Through the years, I have tried to live my dreams. Everything is possible, the sky is the limit as long as you believe in your dreams and work hard to make them happen. Do what you never did before. Go where you have never been before. It will be scary, but it will also be worth it! Archives
July 2024
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