First, the things I can't do. You can only buy a scooter if you have Italian residency. Scooters can be hired, but only for local use. Because of my sleep disorder I've been advised against driving cars. And although I briefly toyed with the idea of becoming a walking pilgrim - you know, a proper pilgrim! - I've not come prepared for that, don't have the gear, and there's a heatwave here in Italy ... just doesn't seem wise.
So, phase one: buses and trains to Florence, where I can stay in a Florentine convent, and then train to Assisi to stay with the local community of Bose and complete the outward journey.
Phase two: I don't have a realistic and life-giving way of making the pilgrimage back (unless I want to spend days as a bored train-riding pilgrim) so I'm going to get a flight back from Assisi.
Phase three: fix up my other 50cc scooter (more about Stella later ...) and make a UK based 50cc pilgrimage - praying to God in the beautiful British places - in the sabbatical time I have left.
So ... the journey goes on, just not as expected.
Anyone know a good UK pilgrimage destination that rhymes with '50cc'?
That is an excellent idea although sad for you that you can't continue as you want to. You have been totally brilliant and I'm in awe of you. There is always a reason and plan for you and this is your plan. Rhyming with 50cc, my birth place, Southend on Sea. Take care, I'm still travelling along with you xx
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Delete'Bardsey' - though you will have to take a boat to the island and leave your 50cc on the mainland. Begin at Basingwerke Abbey and St Winifride's well at Holywell - Was there yesterday. Known as the Lourdes of Wales , can take to the water 11-11.30, 1-1.30 and 3-3.30 each day. Icy cold and reviving. The journey we did as opposed to the now official North Wales Pilgrim way would be easier on Stella, though would need to choose small roads and ignore the main dual carriageway. Happy to help with that if you chose this route as know the whole area so well 💜🙏
DeleteThis is all pilgrimage. God go with you, Chris.
ReplyDeleteThank you - and he does!
DeleteGood plan Chris. I can't find anything rhyming with 50cc but ss's yes!
ReplyDeleteGood news. I can only think of islands Caldy, Bardsey rhyming isn’t my strong point sorry then there’s Whitby, not much better. I hope you will enjoy Assisi when the day visitors have gone home and there’s room to wander.
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Chris, Just a thought... why not begin at your place of birth and follow the Old Way route- then towards home?
ReplyDeleteAlways a God of surprises - really excellent new plan Chris. Can't wait to hear about Stella going forward.
ReplyDeletewe are so happy to hear that you are going on to Firenze and Assisi. we received a brochure from Sacred Heart Retreat House this week and want to share the words from one of our priests. “We have an invitation to a friendship with Jesus, who walks with us and cries with us, and rejoices in our nearness to him“. Of course, this immediately made us think of you. You are an inspiration to us and we rejoice that Jesus is there with you 24/7! Lots of love and prayers Martha and Don
ReplyDeleteChris set out on his 50CC
ReplyDeleteOn pilgrimage to fair Assisi
The St Bernard’s Pass
Killed his bike, alas
And now he’s off to Carnoustie!
My wife, fired by poetic muses,
DeleteWrote a verse that delights and amuses,
But if I SAW that miss
And could give her a kiss-
Now THAT would blow all my fuses!
He finally arrived in the town
DeleteOf a friar of high renown,
Alas and alack,
He went in black,
He’d forgotten his habit of brown!
It will be exciting to see what extra delights you encounter on your revised route...
ReplyDeleteWould a mixed bicycle and train trip work? That could introduce some mechanical resilience and a way of travelling
ReplyDeleteWith freedom ? Could a touring bike safely link up train sections and allow some spontaneity???
It's a good idea - the difficulty is all the gear I have with me, which is perfectly tailored to moped travelling! 😄
DeleteHow about Bradwell on Sea?
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't already chosen your UK pilgrimage destination, you could consider going on a '50cc to Anglesey'. You'll be spoilt for choice for a specific destination, but one possibility would be Penmon, in one corner of the island.
ReplyDeleteFinally caught up with your news and feel sad for you in one way but also interested to see how God journeys with you in all this. There has to be something there He wants to reveal to you. Not good at rhymes but being Yorkshire born and bred there has to be a pilgrimage there waiting for you.
ReplyDeleteYnys Enlli or Bardsey and we can put you up at Ty’n y Parc on the way. Every blessing wherever the journey takes you. Jane and Nick
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