My fun friends from Australia are a terrible influence. I saw them at breakfast this morning, and they had researched today's trail. It was roughly 22 miles, flat as a flitter with nowhere to stop and no shade. AND it was 92 degrees. The path was across rice fields all day. They were taking the train. For the first time ever, I took the train. Not a bit sorry. The train ride was only about 15 minutes, and I watched the terrain all the way. It looked like Kansas on a bad day.
As a result, I had time to do a little sightseeing. This is the Duomo di Vercelli or the Cathedrale di Vercelli.
According to Wikipedia: "The construction of the first, in the 4th century, is ascribed to Saint Eusebius himself, who, it is believed, built it over an ancient necropolis containing the remains of Saint Theonestus, to whom Eusebius dedicated it. After Eusebius's death, he was buried there himself, and the dedication changed accordingly." It is the principal religious structure in Vercelli
This cathedrale was more austere than the usual ornate ones in Italy, especially Rome and Southern Italy.
Just a short block away was this ornate local church. I think there was a church on every block.
I was pretty hungry by noon. I didn't want a 3 course Sunday meal so I found this enormous bookstore and had a terrific pizza. It was not a more common thin crust. A bit thicker but the bottom was crunchy and the sauce had just the right amount of tang.
I had a dickens of a time finding my B & B. I went to the address which was number 18 and there was nothing but a number, no door, no mailbox, nothing. I called the number I had and she kept saying that there was a wooden door except there wasn't. She finally sent someone to look for me. Turns out, there are two number 18's but one is around there corner and on the 3rd floor. Jeez! Anyway, we had a laugh and my room is beautiful - so no harm no foul except for the woman's doorbell I kept ringing at the first #18 that I went to. She kept coming to her balcony and she didn't speak English. I am sure that she is still shaking her head.
I went to the square and ordered a glass of wine and look at all the goodies that came with it. My wine was 5 Euros which is $5.48 in US currency. What a bargain! I only ate a little of it because I didn't want to ruin my dinner.
I sat outside at this little bistro. I happened to see Bill, the Scottish guy eating by himself so I joined him. Boy, did I have to pay attention because he has such a brogue.
I had Caheri Freschi con Crema di Pistacchi e Stracciaatella di Bufalo. It was super wide pasta with pistacio, herbs, and butter topped with something similar to sour cream. It was superb!
I had a wee bit of a problem finding my hotel as it was getting dark. I felt safe because lots of people were walking about. Finally, I spotted the bookstore and from there I was home free!
I bid you goodnight and hope your dinner where ever you are is as good as mine was.
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