Day of Firsts…

Vercelli to Mortara-now we are in the Lombardy Region of Northern Italy.

Day 11, 0 km, overcast & sunny.

First rest day, first gelato, first laundromat experience, first taxi ride, first day to stroll around the town….

Our hotel yesterday was lovely, mostly because of the warm welcome we got from the woman behind the desk, the owner, I think. When we arrived yesterday afternoon, she was surprised to see us there so early. Most people arrive much later because of the 29 km distance, but, having taken the train, we were early afternoon arrivers. We explained that Mike’s back was so sore, he was unable to continue without rest. Our room was ready so she took us up and we started to settle in. A few minutes later, she knocked on our door to tell us she’d called the taxi driver who would be transporting our luggage, asking if he could transport us as well. He said yes! So grateful we were!!

We really needed to do some laundry. The laundromat was nearby. What a great experience that was! Very clean and tidy, instructions in English, clothes in, soap, softener etc added automatically and 34 minutes later, the clothes were washed. Into the dryer and 10 minutes later they were mostly all dry! (I am sad we didn’t take pics at the hotel or laundromat-both so special.) That was yesterday.

This morning, the taxi arrived and picked us up with our luggage, and transported, and deposited us in Mortara. That saved us a train ride and a 14 km walk. The hotel here had a room ready even though we were so early and so, we have had a room to ourselves all day.

First order was to get settled. Then we used our handy dandy TENS unit on Mike’s back and lower leg muscles. Not sure it helped but…at least we tried. Rested a bit, then went for a short stroll.

That’s when we found the gelato….

After gelato, we strolled our way towards another basilica, St. Lorenzo. We heard a great ringing of church bells…it was noon on a Sunday, after all! The ringing went on and on. Here is the scene we came upon..

Lots of people exiting the church with others dressed in period costumes, carrying huge banners. Not sure what it was all about but they enjoyed posing for pics…