Today, I had my fourth rest day in the beautiful city of Piacenza. Pretty special, because at this point, I'm half way my 1136km hike to Rome. Yesterday evening, I was very tired. I only arrived around sunset. It had been an intense week with long distances far from civilization in hot temperatures and with lots of mosquitos. But I made it! I had crossed the Po. Today, I heard that I couldn't have taken the boat anyway. There is no boat service because the water level is too low.
Through the night, it was very warm in my room so I left the window open. But despite the noise of cars, the daylight and the mosquitos, I slept until 10am. The B&B is heaven on earth. The interior makes you step back in time. I didn't pay for breakfast, but the owner left me a little buffet anyway. With again another coffee machine, it took me again some time to figure out but I'm slowly turning into an expert. Around noon, I went to a self service laundry to wash my clothes. That has become a tradition on a rest day. My body is doing great. I had two new blisters after I did almost 60km in 48h, but they are healing already. My fundraising for Make a Wish continues and I have to admit: I'm overwhelmed by the success. Together, we have already raised 85% of the big amount I had set as a target. I didn't have the time yet to thank everybody in person, but I definitely will after my arrival in Rome. I'm so grateful and the money will be used for something very special. Together, we will make a dream come true, the dream of a child with a life threatening illness. We are not there yet. Would you also like to support, check the link https://www.inactievoormakeawish.be/fund.../dimitri-lanssens For more information on my hike, my route and my arrival in Rome, check my website www.dimiwalkstorome.com Later in the afternoon, when the burning sun was not so high in the sky anymore, I went for a walk in Piacenza. The city is next to the river Po, but because the river is to the north seperated from the city by a highway, you don't notice anything from the river once in the center. The city is very logical and it is hard to get lost. Most streets are vertical or horizontal and whatever street you take, at one point you will end up at the central square Piazza Cavalli. Two epic equestrian statues are the first thing to catch the eye. My mission: find the tourist office for my pilgrim stamp. How hard can it be? Well, at first I couldn't find it at all. It is hidden in a small office behind the palazzo comunale. This is not Paris or Barcelona. In the same palazzo, there are clean public toilets but without locks on the door. So you need a friend to stand in front of the door. Not very convenient for a lonely pilgrim. Piacenza has 8 churches in its city center. Just unbelievable. I visited the cathedral which is just massive. In the San Francesco church, there are mirrors on the ground so you can watch the beautiful paintings on the ceiling without breaking your neck. Wanna do some shopping? This is a good place. It is the first city on my route where I found so many boutiques and nicely dressed people. Georgio Armani was born here and he must be proud of his roots. Above a lot of streets, there are colourful umbrellas. I enjoyed some ice cream and then suddenly heard my name. There was Murat with his girlfriend. We had a nice chat and will walk to the same city tomorrow. What's my plan for the next days? Tomorrow, I have my longest stage. Almost 33km to Fiorenzuola d'Arda. This will be my first full day in the Emilia Romagna region. By crossing the Po, I left Lombardia behind. Tomorrow evening, my two amazing friends Charlotte and Cindy will join me and walk the next five stages with me. Not an easy route because we will have to cross the Apennine mountains. Extra concern is the heat. As from this weekend, temperatures will raise above 35 degrees in the shade. But let's take it day by day. I enjoy every minute and it only gets better.
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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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