Today was my sixth rest day and after walking in very hot temperatures for a couple of days, I really needed this one. The airco in the room had been set to 28 degrees and it had to work through the night to keep it so cool. Outside, temperatures of more than 40 degrees had again been forcasted. But no worries for me, I didn't have to walk today. I slept until 10am. My roommate left without making any noise. He seemed like a very nice guy. Too bad we didn't have the time to talk longer. Even if it was short, I'm happy I met him. Breakfast was until 10am, so I missed it. Luckily, there was a supermarket nearby.
Most important job of the day: laundry. My clothes had never smelled so bad before. I wonder how much liters of sweat they had absorbed. The entry door to the self service laundry was in full sunshine. To give you an idea how hot it was, I couldn't touch the metal door handle without burning myself. I had to use a towel to open it. Around noon, Lucca was a ghost town. Everybody was hiding inside. I took the time to book accommodation for the coming days and then I spent my afternoon the Italian way with a siesta. My fundraising for Make a Wish is still continuing. Before I took off, I had hoped to raise 1 euro per kilometer so 1136 euro. In a meanwhile, we have raised all together 1314 euro. Thank you so much. I didn't have the time to thank everybody in person, but that time will come. It means a lot to me, it means even more to Make a Wish and it will mean the world to the sick children who will see their dreams come true. I won't put the total amount higher, but for those who still would like to help, please do so. It is possible to donate until the day of my arrival in Rome and every euro will be spent well. For all information, check the link https://www.inactievoormakeawish.be/fund.../dimitri-lanssens Hot or not hot, leaving Lucca without discovering it would be a shame. Honestly, this is the nicest city I have come through since I started. It's hard to explain. You have to be here to experience the whole vibe. First of all, the fortification walls that still stand around the whole center. They are 4km long and you can walk or cycle on them. No bike? No worries. Several shops rent bikes and even go karts. Next to the eastern part of the walls, there is a building that hosts a via francigena museum. The perfect place to start. Except that is was closed. The tourist office at the Porta Elisa was open and a friendly lady put a nice stamp in my passport. Tomorrow, I will leave the city through this gate. But now, I was in for some tourist time. I really wanted to visit the Torre Guinigi. A bit crazy to climb 233 steps on my day off, but the view at the top was stunning. Really worth 6 euro. Amazingly, there are trees growing at the top of this tower. Later, I wandered the narrow streets. It's great to just get lost. The cathedral was closed already, but just seeing the outside was nice as well. I had passed so many gelaterias, I couldn't resist anymore. Amazingly, three balls of ice cream were the smallest you could order here. Small is not my style, so I went for four. I sat down on one of the many squares and two guys started playing the guitar. John Lennon, Metallica, Leonard Cohen, it was just magical. Day turned into night and the city lights went on. At 21h, it was still 35 degrees. While going back to my hostel, I walked over the Piazza Anfiteatro. Once, there was an amfitheater here. That's gone, but the buildings surrounding the square follow the elliptical shape. Epic battles are now replaced by terraces of restaurants. I went back to my hostel much later than planned. What a beautiful night. I spent some time sitting outside before showering and going to bed. My batteries are recharged. I have 19 walking days left to Rome. Tomorrow, temperatures would be cooler but still reach 35 degrees. I plan to visit the cathedral before walking 18km to Altopascio. Another magical day ahead!
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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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