Jerusalem way - Page 11

Mignano Monte Lungo - Brindisi

We ran together again this morning and the path was great, but it was hot again. Along dirt roads you saw idyllic places in the mountains, it went through lonely villages and a piece along the Fiume Volturno. Very entertaining until we arrived at the small church before Alife. Roland called the number of the hospitalera and she showed us the attic, which was our accommodation today. Later we walked into the strictly square village, I immediately got a new haircut, I had meanwhile grown wild-looking hair 🙂.

Early we went through Alife again before walking along quiet roads to Telese Therme. It began to rain on the way, we took shelter for a while. But it remained relaxed and entertaining, passing the foot of a mountain we walked into the town. The not too friendly owner of our hotel had to be convinced by Roland, because there were pilgrim discounts for many accommodations, including this one. But some suffer sudden memory loss. Actually the hotel is quite beautiful on Lago di Telese, so I went in the evening still a round around the lake.

The next morning we first crossed the Fiume Calore before going slightly uphill to Solopaca. Behind us, impressive and up to 1400 m high mountains. At the foot of the mountains our way today mostly over smaller roads to Benevento. We were there early, after a walk through the beautiful town with its cathedral and Trajan's Arch we decided to make a short excursion by bus to Pietrelcina. A place of devotion for believers, since Padre Pio was born and preached here. Only thanks to Roland we found the right bus in the confusion at the central bus stop.

In Pietrelcina, Roland explained everything important to me, as a Latin teacher, he knew an incredible amount about Italian history and religion. To get the bus back to Benevento, was just as gambling, me so far inexplicable as the locals here know when and where a bus leaves. At dinner, we said goodbye, both of them had to go back home tomorrow, their vacation was over. But also I had to change the further plan completely. Finances became scarce, since Rome it had become more expensive, fewer pilgrim hostels and more guesthouses or hotels. I also enjoyed the company of other pilgrims, i.e. I went more often to the trattoria than to get something in the supermarket. I've slowly mutated into a pleasure pilgrim 🙂. Anyway, I had to interrupt briefly to work. For July, I had 2 orders in prospect, that should bring me to the finish. Only where do I interrupt, few days I still had time?

I was so happy to finally run a few days in a row by the sea. So the decision was easier, it will go on the Via Francigena del Sud from Bari to Brindisi. The skipped stages I run later with Manu after, the description for the part of the route I still have to submit. So I went from Campania to Apulia. In Bari I got immediately problems with the accommodation. Cheap accommodations from the guides were full, again a cheap hotel had to hold out. But before that I wandered into the old town Bari Vecchia with its narrow streets and the harbor. Here stands the Basilica of San Nicola from the 11th century, also a pilgrimage site, St. Nicholas lies here. I now also said goodbye to my faithful pilgrim's stick, threw it into the turquoise Adriatic Sea. He was a great help to me in the mountains and with stubborn dogs. In the meantime it rained and hailed, but that was quickly over and I could spend the evening with my friend Peroni at the sea 🙂.

The route next morning was directly along the sea, very entertaining, through small towns like San Giorgio and Torre a Mare. The last kilometers I ran again along the main road to Mola di Bari. A beautiful place with an impressive castle, Castello Angioino. I took lodging at a B&B and then walked back to the sea. The next stage to Monopoli was similarly relaxing and along roads by the sea. In mostly sunny weather, I passed through such beautiful places as Polignano a Mare, whose houses are densely packed on rocks by the sea. In Monopoli I first looked for accommodation in open WI-FI, it turned out to be a small B&B again. Afterward it was definitely worth a walk through the city center with its small alleys and many bars. I spent the evening at the Castello at the port of Monopoli, by the sea. The lights came on and dark clouds moved up, beautiful flair.

On we went early along the Adriatic Sea, it is getting hotter and hotter. In Torre Canne there should be again a Parrocchia, a hostel in the church. It took me a while to find the Padre, then I went to the somewhat dilapidated accommodation. After the beach walk I followed today a game of the Italians in the soccer world cup in the bar. The next morning I brought the key back to the Padre. He could hardly walk. After the usual Where are you from and where are you going, he said only: Pray in Jerusalem for me (which I did at the finish, of course). Money he absolutely did not want, not even a donativo. His shining eyes accompanied me as I left. I was touched, such moments remain.

After quite a few kilometers on the road, the path went down to the beach and continued there. Then again a lot of road through dry landscapes. In sweltering heat I could not miss the turnoff to the campground to Lamaforca. There were few campers here, but many ants. In the tent itself it was it was almost unbearable because of the heat, so I walked along the beach until the evening. The route to Brindisi the next day was nicer, far from the main road through small places along the Adriatic Sea. Halfway it went through a nature reserve with sandy beaches, here I was then also extensively swim in the turquoise water. To the center of Brindisi I had to pass the airport before. So I took the opportunity to inquire there how I can best get back to Germany.

In the city center I found a cheap hotel and then explored the city with the beautiful seafront. At the two columns in Brindisi ends the already 312 b.C. started Via Appia, which I already walked on original pavement when leaving Rome. Wistfully I still walked to the ferry port, where my route would normally have continued. Funny after the previous route when you ask someone where it goes to the ferries and he says I should take the bus, it was too far, it was about 3 km 🙂. I then spent two more days in Brindisi, in the evening, I could even watch two games of the World Cup in a restaurant by the sea. Then a feeder should bring me from the airport to Bari, from where it went temporarily to Germany. Typically Italian, but somehow sweet, I found the shuttle ride. The driver arrived half an hour after the appointed time. Those waiting nervously grumbled, as many had connecting flights. Deeply relaxed, the driver tried to calm the minds that loudly talked at him for an hour 🙂. In the end, everyone got there on time. Ciao Italia, ciao bella.