La Giustiniana to Saint Peter's Square

[Bob from L.A. !]

Knowing today was my last trail day I was out the door at 5 and on the trail by 5:20.
As I walked down the forested roads I had time to reflect on the last 86 days of walking alone and remember the good times, the good meals and the good people I met along the way. I will always enjoy looking back on each and everyone of those days.
Later in the morning I entered Monte Mario Park, a landmark for me on this trip, knowing the great vista point of downtown Rome and that from there everything else is downhill.
Finally making it into suburbia after leaving the park I finally rounded a corner and could see the Via Angeli gate of the square off in the distance.
It was from that point forward I felt the combination of exhilaration and sadness all at once. Exhilaration because I knew the goal was in sight, but sadness because I had a good time and knew that it was coming to an end.
Entering the square, amongst a thousand others, I knew what I started planning and training for a year prior was now accomplished.
Thank you to all of you who took this journey with me. Many of you sent well wishes, thoughts, encouragements and prayers.
These are the things and the kind of people that make this forum so worth being a part of.

 

[MinaKamina]

You made it! and what a journey it was. Thank you so much for sharing!

 

[M2ME]

Congratulations. Thank you for sharing it’s been very enjoyable following your Via.

 

[Purky]

Congrats! It was fun following you on your journey. I hope re-entry to your normal day-to-day will be smooth. On to the next one!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

You made it, Bob; mission accomplished!
Did you walk that whole distance with no hiking poles, but added in knee braces?...asking for a friend who is curious.
Your Asian dinner looks fabulous and I am nearly drooling. Yumilicious!

 

[lovingkindness]

What a tremendous journey. Blessings on your day!

 

[steady]

You made it, Bob; mission accomplished!
Did you walk that whole distance with no hiking poles, but added in knee braces?...asking for a friend who is curious.
Your Asian dinner looks fabulous and I am nearly drooling. Yumilicious!

Bob, what an epic adventure. Heartfelt congratulations on achieving what is a major accomplishment. Enjoy the time in Rome.
Kathy

 

[goldie from aus]

Contractions - thank you so much for posting your beautiful pictures and share your days there. Have loved following your days - might I say that last meal looks mighty fine. Happy Beun Camino

 

[nycwalking]

Congratulations Bob!

 

[Tassie Kaz]

...I finally rounded a corner and could see the Via Angeli gate of the square off in the distance.
It was from that point forward I felt the combination of exhilaration and sadness all at once. Exhilaration because I knew the goal was in sight, but sadness because I had a good time and knew that it was coming to an end....

"The sorry relief of arrival."
- Gideon Lewis-Kraus
'A Sense of Direction'

Oh Bob...I'm so happy for you...& thankful for your safe arrival. Sincere 'Congratulations'!
Thanks for sharing your journey with us & especially for the memories.
May we see a pic of your Testimonium? This was not available the day I arrived...I was directed to the completely disinterested Tourist Info Centre for my certificate.

And I hope you didn't encounter any cinghiali...except on a plate!

Relax & celebrate ...an accomplishment indeed.

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Contractions - thank you so much for posting your beautiful pictures and share your days there. Have loved following your days - might I say that last meal looks mighty fine. Happy Beun Camino

Well...I hope Bob doesn't have contractions!
Don't you love predictive text?!

 

[Bradypus]

May we see a pic of your Testimonium? This was not available the day I arrived...I was directed to the completely disinterested Tourist Info Centre for my certificate.

And I hope you didn't encounter any cinghiali...except on a plate!

I was very happy to pick up my Testimonium from the OPR office. No-one offered me an escorted trip to the sacristy and it would have been hours of waiting in the queue and I would have had to abandon my pack at the security scanners. Seeing the vast crowds at St Peter's I found a room nearby and returned next morning when the basilica was just opening for a very quiet and surreal visit. Just me and a nun at the tomb of St Peter in the crypt. A beautiful experience very far removed from a previous visit in peak season. St Peter's is never going to be my favourite church but at 7am I did see something of its awesome beauty without too much distraction.

I have met cinghiali in Germany, Japan and Spain. In every case they have got out of my way. I certainly wouldn't try to corner or threaten one but they are usually sensible animals who try to put as much distance as possible between themselves and potentially dangerous humans. Much misunderstood animals. But also very tasty...

 

[Tassie Kaz]

I have met cinghiali in Germany, Japan and Spain. In every case they have got out of my way. I certainly wouldn't try to corner or threaten one but they are usually sensible animals who try to put as much distance as possible between themselves and potentially dangerous humans. Much misunderstood animals. But also very tasty...

I have only heard them & seen evidence of them, no actual encounters...except in the form where I was top of the food chain... 🍽

Edited to add; perhaps to receive the arrival 'full treatment' you could apply for the next incarnation of a certain reality TV show @Bradypus?...we'll vouch for your celebrity status on here...

 

[Bradypus]

I have only heard them & seen evidence of them, no actual encounters...except in the form where I was top of the food chain... 🍽

My first encounter was in Bavaria in the 1990s. Walking across an American military base. A huge sow walked out of a bush about 5 metres away from me. Terrifying! We looked at each other for a few seconds then she walked into the middle of the road, stood stock still and stared down an approaching lorry. A huge American tractor/trailer combination. She did not move an inch until the truck came to a complete stop then casually wandered off the road! I have never seen sang froid like it before or since. Nothing but respect for them!

 

[Bradypus]

Edited to add; perhaps to receive the arrival 'full treatment' you could apply for the next incarnation of a certain reality TV show @Bradypus?...we'll vouch for your celebrity status on here...

A friend of mine was asked to appear as an "expert" on the first season of the BBC series. He asked a few people for their opinions on whether to accept the invitation. The consensus was negative - using quite short words but using several "f"s

 

[Levi]

Well done and congratulations @Bob from L.A. ! And thank-you for your posts - loved following the journey.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

It was a good (and long) time

 

[mla1]

Wonderful!!! Thanks so much for the daily posts and inspiration! Safe travels.

 

[Rex]

Congratulations and safe travels from here to wherever is "next".
Thanks for sharing your work with us. It was truly inspirational in getting me out the door on my training walks each day.
Kudos and Buon Cammino!

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

You're going to love it

 

[J.Patrick]

What a spectacular accomplishment, and an inspiration for me. My responsibilities don’t permit me to start where you did — I wish I could! But I can see from your terrific pictures that I’m going to love the portion I will do starting in Sarzana. Thank you for all your posts!

In life, Ultreia!

 

[Rex]

What a spectacular accomplishment, and an inspiration for me. My responsibilities don’t permit me to start where you did — I wish I could! But I can see from your terrific pictures that I’m going to love the portion I will do starting in Sarzana. Thank you for all your posts!

In life, Ultreia!

Buon Cammino and Bon Courage!