Being a pilgrim, walking miles each day, allows one to see the world at a slower pace, reminds one of how big the world is and how small, how time and history are both very long and very short, and how a good way to spend each day is to pay attention and also to let go.
Today we departed the tourist-infested San Gimignano for an 8-mile, 5-hour walk up and down the Tuscan hills to Colle Val d’Este.
Leaving through the Porta San Giovanni, the imposing stone gate dating back to the 13th century
South of the city, you can see the city’s fortified walls. From inside the night before, we looked out thru the fortress's skinny pass through windows…
We also saw Dante, orating from his Divine Comedy. Then we ate pizza and gelato.
This morning, we forded some streams…
Visited some churches and old monasteries…
And found evidence in the dirt that, in fact, millions of years ago, Tuscany was under the sea, which we learned accounts for the composition of the soil that produces tasty wine grapes.
Tonight’s stay is behind the walls of this castle below. It has been a popular destination for pilgrims and other wanderers since the Middle Ages.
So many beautiful views…
The campanile, or bell tower, on an empty street
Once again, the Madonna and Dante have the last word.
Dear Madonna, whoever seeks divine grace without first calling out to you would be like someone hoping to fly without wings. May you all find your grace and your wings.
