Assisi to Spello (7h/20km)

Finding 

As I looked out for you
With desperate need
And lonesome heart
You tested me and you saw through
Your gift, your present was a seed
And miracles began to start 

Tuesday 23.5.2017 - Spello/Italy

That was a tough start into my trip!

But I did it - without blisters and knee is not hurting yet :)!

Of course I managed to go wrong in the beginning, but that gave me the chance to visit the castle of Assisi, which I otherwise would have missed. 

But finally I found the right city gate to start from and soon it turned out that my guide didn't lie. The first 5 km were quite steep and sweat was soon pouring down in streams. Fortunately the way lead uphill on a small trail shadowed by mountain trees, so at least I could escape the burning sun.

Cammino cares for its children... no matter which you are walking on ;)!

But first big difference to mention - the ways are much more difficult, can't imagine how it should be possible to manage it during or after rain. Now or then just 30cm wide... or better narrow! Bordered by the wild woods to the left, going downhill steeply to the right. 

And the expectation of solitude was quite right. The only other wandering people were seemingly on day trips, mostly crossing my path coming from the opposite direction. A lot of time all alone, giving the opportunity to think and see. 

Two thoughts today came up again and again... one personal and one general consideration.

Personally I noticed that this time I'm starting in a different mood.All my spanish pilgrimages were searches for love, not knowing where to find.

This time I'm in love right from the beginning, feeling it strengthen my spine and my heart. I'm not a seeker anymore, cause I know what to look for and how to find...

The second thought popped up when I wondered bout the high position the Italian church tradition gives to St.Francis. they take him as successor of Jesus... but I can't help, I think there is no value difference if you're a lover.

Jesus pointed out the way, but so did mystics of all time. Love is unlimited and eternal, guess Rumi&Shams (thx Ali!), Master Ekkehard, Jakob Böhme, Krishna, Siddhartha, Walt Whitman, Confucius and all the other uncounted, unnamed and unknown worshipper of love would never argue who is more "right"... they would embrace each other warmly and dwell together in a knowledge beyond any words...

Ps to Gurmeet: it's very important to make clear moves when the goalkeeper prepares to kick off. Always offer him a passing opportunity, if he don't takes it you at least pull an opponent away and free the passing space for a long ball...;) :) :) :)...you did really thought you're getting away from my nagging advice, didn't you...haha, you were wrong :D