Sunday 29th May - The Big Day has come!!

In more ways than one ... 
Firstly I started the last of my 3 guide books... Which will take me all the way to Rome ! 

Secondly my brother has been released from hospital ( although will probably have to return for an op) 

Thirdly , An article has been published in the Nottingham diocese newspaper , page 9... Featuring me!!
Catholic News - June 16

And 
Last, but not least ... My niece Catherine married Andrew today in London 
 I would have loved to have been there... But I'm here instead , remembering you all !!

I set off early from Vercelli, as although I didn't have a long way to go, everyone was up... at least the forecast hadn't yet come true ... It wasn't raining !! 

I managed to get some sandwiches from a bar, and headed out across the busy roads, and soon traversing fields again... 
I caught up with Juliano, a Belgium pilgrim, just as the heavy rain started... Poncho on, and away I went! 

Shortly after 1030 am as we were passing Palestro we could hear a band playing in the town, and so went in to see what was happening... 
Firstly finding a bar opposite the church, and people milling around... We discovered it was a memorial celebration of the Battle of Palestro, 1859... And there would be a parade... 
We stayed in the bar drinking coffee and eating food until 1130, then went outside to watch. Juliano can speak Italian, so it was easy to converse with the locals!!

The parade went past, and on to the war memorial... The band ran past playing as they went!! A wreath was laid... And they all headed off again!! 

That was different... 

Back across the fields we headed in the intermittent rain, and on to Robbio, and the municipal hostel... Behind the town hall and police station... A bit run down but it was something dry and warm on a wet day!! With a lovely welcome from the lady from the council who organises it!! 

The rain was by now bouncing down, heavy and as we headed out for dinner later had to really dress for wet weather, even though it was only a couple of minutes away!! 

An early night settling down in between three differing clock towers... And their bells - thankfully they stopped from 10 pm... Until 6 am!!