Via Francigena. Episode #1. Lucca To San Gimignano.

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  • Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
  • we start our pilgrimage on the Via Francigena from Lucca to Rome.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 80

  • @janiceprice4982
    @janiceprice4982 Рік тому +11

    I’m stopping mid-video just to let you guys know how deeply appreciative I am for you sharing your adventures with all of us. I’ve been watching you all since your AT through hike and feel that you have enriched and inspired my life journey immensely. Thank you so much for, “taking us with you”💕

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому +2

      Thanks Janice. If it helps you to enjoy your life a bit more, we're happy.😊

  • @pamupton6020
    @pamupton6020 5 місяців тому +1

    Lucca is my favorite city in Italy. Thanks for the memories.

  • @maryspiering1205
    @maryspiering1205 Рік тому +4

    We took the Flixbus from Venice to Dobbiaco, Italy and finally figured out that it stopped to pick people up in a parking lot, thanks to other people who rode the bus ! Oh such memories of Lucca - walked the same entrance as you did to get in and then rented a bike to ride around the wall. We so enjoyed the coffee, intermittent bakeries, sound of bells ringing in the distance, and sweet little villages along the journey. We were fortunate to have a local guide in Tuscany who took us across the country side to hike to vineyards, olive oil refineries, and monasteries. As you, we loved the energy of the Italian people. So much so, we returned several times after our first visit ! Thank you for bringing back a flood of memories !

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому

      Thanks for sharing your memories with us.

  • @skyblue-lb9kr
    @skyblue-lb9kr Рік тому +2

    Foccacia (Fo-ka-chee-ya) yumm..................thanks for taking us!

  • @gaildonaldson171
    @gaildonaldson171 Рік тому +9

    In 1970s when traveling from Paris to Milan via the Magic Bus (the French called it “Magic Voyage”) we were dropped outside Milan on the side of the road with miles to walk to Milan. We had no idea we were going to be dropped off so far from the city - also 4am. We were so tired at one point my partner fell backwards with her pack on and she was like a flipped turtle and couldn’t get up - hysterical! At daylight a taxi driver picked us up and gave us a free tour of Milan and dropped us off at our destination- the train station. Lovely memories of Italy. Thanks for taking us with you. ❤

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому +4

      I love this story. Aren't kind people just the best? We've also had friends go full turtle with their packs on. 😂

  • @christyjohnson4563
    @christyjohnson4563 Рік тому +1

    Okay - the road to Rome - you know that would have been a day that I 💯 would enjoy!! Amazing!!

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому

      You'd make an excellent pilgrim. People love joyful people. 😊

  • @SusanLeaA
    @SusanLeaA Рік тому +1

    The one place I truly want to visit.. thank you so much for letting me tag along. Stunning 😊

  • @melissacurran-moore8919
    @melissacurran-moore8919 Рік тому +2

    Different country and Camino, but 2nd half of this video very reminiscent of Camino Frances I walked in 2015. The churches, aubuergues, vineyards and small towns. I hope it cools down for you. Thank you for continuing to take us along.

  • @deecaputo1480
    @deecaputo1480 Рік тому +1

    So! Much! Satisfaction! Watching you two wander on your travels by foot: total admiration for your initiative and your courage! Such leadership and mentoring by you both! YOWSERS! Just loving it!

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому +1

      Thanks Dee. We've really been enjoying this Europe trip, so I'm glad you share our enthusiasm.

  • @debsmith4058
    @debsmith4058 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for sharing this with us, beautiful at every turn.

  • @douglaspohl1827
    @douglaspohl1827 Рік тому +3

    You are in my old stomping grounds... Livorno, Gallo, Ripoli, Lucca, and Florence et al... heaven... enjoy your memories... P.S. your gate looks labored... ok?

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому +1

      Yes, we're both fine. Occasional soreness, but for the most part, we both feel great.

  • @krazedkamper
    @krazedkamper Рік тому +1

    What a wondeful way to see Italy!! Thank you for taking us along.

  • @lindabauers7559
    @lindabauers7559 Рік тому +1

    I enjoyed Italy in the 80s. I was in the Navy stationed in Greece and traveled to Naples often, La Madalana and Gaeta. Nice people and good food. I'm so glad you gals are getting a chance to see Italy!!!

  • @sgardner6135
    @sgardner6135 Рік тому +3

    You have the best of both worlds: trails in nature and quaint, old world cities! Thanks for bringing us along! Italy is just beautiful!

  • @sweetpea191962
    @sweetpea191962 Рік тому +1

    I loved Italy, people, places and food are amazing. Enjoy ..... Bella ladies🎉

  • @themountainsarecalling42
    @themountainsarecalling42 Рік тому +1

    As always, fantastic! Thank you for bringing us on your life journey

  • @carollorion5130
    @carollorion5130 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for taking us along! I so love that part of Italy. So amazing. Beautiful!!

  • @carolemurray4532
    @carolemurray4532 Рік тому +1

    Beautiful little villages and vineyards. Loved it.

  • @itsalovelyride8559
    @itsalovelyride8559 Рік тому +2

    This is an incredible pilgrimage you guys. My plan is to do the Camino Frances in the Spring. Now, I’m going to have to add this to my list! Just love seeing the villages, squares and old architecture. Yippee!❤

  • @rosemariemendes5391
    @rosemariemendes5391 Рік тому +1

    Now I’m able to follow you easily with the atlas. Italy feels more familiar to me. I traveled there with my mom in the 1980’s for 15 days. Being a Portuguese American I felt more at home. Yes, people seem to be more engaged and show more energy when conversing. Take care. Be safe💕

  • @jerrim.2951
    @jerrim.2951 Рік тому +1

    So inspiring. Thank you, ladies. I’m leaving tomorrow for Porto to start the Camino Portuguese. I know this wouldn’t be happening without me stumbling on your hiking videos. So much gratitude for you two. Enjoy Italy. Many years ago we visited San Gimignano. It was wonderful to see it again.

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому

      Buen camino. Wonderful to hear that you're motivated to get out there!

  • @vaherlihy
    @vaherlihy Рік тому +1

    Verona is the city of Romeo and Juliet! Loving your experiences, thanks for sharing. The bakeries are fantastic so yummy!

  • @cindylopez4883
    @cindylopez4883 Рік тому +1

    The "stamp book" is a pilgrims passport. Glad you finally found one!

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому

      Yes, we think it would be wise of the tourist offices to have them. Sometimes easy is nice.

  • @ggebhard1
    @ggebhard1 Рік тому +1

    My great grandparents are from Italy! It’s dear to my heart! I’m glad you loved it as much as I would! I wish you could go to An Andre Boccelli concert in Tuscany!

  • @THFrenchteacher
    @THFrenchteacher Рік тому +2

    Italy is awesome! You both seem so happy and at home. 🥰
    Thank you for taking us along! 🙏💜🙏

  • @teresabiggar9766
    @teresabiggar9766 Рік тому +1

    I’m surprised you did not consider Tour du Mont Blanc. All Refugio’s closed by now, but you can camp. Love your videos!!!!

  • @annehoffmann8991
    @annehoffmann8991 Рік тому +1

    I love your trips/hikes…

  • @janromer6401
    @janromer6401 Рік тому +1

    Morning Hiking in the Italian countryside. ❤ Thank you for letting me tag along!

  • @Judy-fi7ce
    @Judy-fi7ce Рік тому +1

    Hi ladies, what a great video! The streets of Italy were charming and that chocolate croissant sounded yummy! Loved the cello music. So appropriate. And Annette, you were holding up the Leaning Tower!! What an amazing adventure you two! Take care.

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому

      Thanks to my intervention, the Tower will be here for you to enjoy.

  • @lindamorassi4458
    @lindamorassi4458 Рік тому +1

    Awesome! Thanks!

  • @gerilosiniecki421
    @gerilosiniecki421 Рік тому +1

    Another great trip you're treating us to. Love traveling with you two. This video started out so funny. I can't believe you held IT that long and then had to hide behind a tree. We had a great laugh. I am so impressed at how clean all these little towns are kept. No garbage or graffiti. This is so unlike all your thru hikes which are more in the wilderness. Love it!!!!!! I was wondering if you get the local currency somehow or can you "charge" in all those towns. I'm not a world traveler so I don't know how that works. The hostels are so quaint. Happy travels. Take care, be safe.

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому

      The money thing is pretty easy now. One just has to use a debit or credit card at an ATM and out come the euros or whatever other currency for the non-EU countries. We also use our credit card a lot. We brought a card that doesn't charge fees to convert from US $.

    • @gerilosiniecki421
      @gerilosiniecki421 Рік тому

      Thanks, I'm sure more people might have wondered this too.@@demelar

  • @helenwallis5914
    @helenwallis5914 Рік тому

    I love Lucca , your video brings back so many memories ❤when I walked Lucca to Rome

  • @bymyhandsworked
    @bymyhandsworked Рік тому +1

    Ciao da Venezia! You are on the pilgrimage route! It’s been crazy hot here-the news last night had a piece about whether summer will ever end. I actually made it to that rest room when changing trains last week-it’s staffed by an attendant and it’s super clean (and it costs a euro). In a pinch I will purchase a bottle of water at a coffee bar and use the facilities (warning, some have squatty potties). There are some cool historical sites on that route (mostly religious but moving &artistic). I’m off in the morning back to the states, but I’ll really enjoy your updates.

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому +1

      Bathroom adventures are always fun. Thanks for the tips. I agree, the pay ones with the attendant are spotless.

  • @hikingwithbinerman
    @hikingwithbinerman Рік тому

    Nice video!

  • @deborahshaw6821
    @deborahshaw6821 Рік тому +1

    So enjoying your travels n your comments!

  • @billrisdon1
    @billrisdon1 Рік тому

    You are so lucky to have each other. But you know that. Bill

  • @virginiajorgensen8614
    @virginiajorgensen8614 Рік тому +1

    Another great video. I haven’t been to Italy for a while and saw areas through your eyes that I hadn’t seen.

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому

      Might be time for another visit?

  • @woodsforager2955
    @woodsforager2955 Рік тому +1

    love the new music around the 7 minute mark!

  • @lorigutierrez5314
    @lorigutierrez5314 Рік тому

    Love this whole video. Who is the composer of the classical song played on the cello. I just love it.

  • @helenvwalker7919
    @helenvwalker7919 Рік тому +2

    Thank you for showing me a new camino that I have been considering doing..😊 Looks great. Did you have to book your accommodation? Glad to see you making the most of your time in Europe.❤

  • @lasvegas313100
    @lasvegas313100 Рік тому +3

    Please keep up to date on security events starting to unfold. These events are happening very very quickly.

  • @ninaactivitiesibiza
    @ninaactivitiesibiza Рік тому +1

    Hey, Lucca is my hometown... I felt so emotional watching your video...hope you enjoyed it! I'll definitely follow your channel 🙂 The name of your breakfast is: focaccia

  • @christinarogers5933
    @christinarogers5933 Рік тому +1

    Yay! You made it to Italy!

  • @carolbintorio4033
    @carolbintorio4033 Рік тому +1

    A new adventure 😊

  • @brendalu511
    @brendalu511 Рік тому

    😍😍😍

  • @jmkats
    @jmkats Рік тому +1

    "DON'T WAIT DO IT NOW" wise words. It doesn't take much to remind us of that motto. I'm sure you've heard by now of Donna Saufley's passing. So sad and unfair. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. LIVE for today, plan for tomorrow.
    19:33 must be an incorrect date of 10/10 as today is 10/10 my birthday, and the video was uploaded on 10/8.

  • @kathyhigbee1280
    @kathyhigbee1280 Рік тому

    Thank you for your kindness 💖💖It means so much to me ...

  • @kerrypennings4294
    @kerrypennings4294 Рік тому

    Yay! Spoiler, the pilgrimage thing is completely addictive! :-). Mille grazie!

  • @doriswlongAgoandfarAway
    @doriswlongAgoandfarAway Рік тому +1

    two hikes this week. then I want to ride my bike. thank you.

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому

      Life is better on a walk or a bike 😊

  • @lindablack7438
    @lindablack7438 Рік тому +1

    Dreamy

  • @musingwithreba9667
    @musingwithreba9667 Рік тому +1

    Mmmmm😋 award winning chocolate croissant. I'm a bit jealous you can eat all the gluteny things. I have celiac, and sometimes I miss gluten. Like when someone says "award winning" and "chocolate croissant " together 😂

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому +1

      I sympathize. Pain au Chocolat is a hard one to give up.

  • @wildeone1636
    @wildeone1636 Рік тому +1

    At least you didn't have to dig a cat hole 😂😂😂

  • @erinmcgrathejm4985
    @erinmcgrathejm4985 Рік тому

    12:18 hang on!!! What is that thing of beauty!!! 🤤

  • @oceanwoods
    @oceanwoods Рік тому

    October 10?
    Are you time travelers?

    • @wanderwomenkristyannette5021
      @wanderwomenkristyannette5021  Рік тому +1

      Oops

    • @vanomadcyclist3474
      @vanomadcyclist3474 Рік тому

      @@wanderwomenkristyannette5021 LOL I had to check my calendar when I saw that date. 😂😂😂😂 Just part of the charm of your videos. Enjoy your stay

    • @oceanwoods
      @oceanwoods Рік тому

      @@wanderwomenkristyannette5021 You two can do anything!
      I wouldn't be surprised if you could time travel as well.

  • @jeanneprice6736
    @jeanneprice6736 Рік тому +1

    From now on…if asked…just say “Opens at 7”.

  • @annehoffmann8991
    @annehoffmann8991 Рік тому

    Are you bypassing Florence? OMGosh Oh well…

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому

      Maybe or maybe next time. It's beyond beautiful.

  • @catherinemaw1869
    @catherinemaw1869 Рік тому

    HIked part of this beautiful scenic trail with my partner in 2019. We found it serendipitously and hiked it in reverse (which added a few challenges! )

    • @demelar
      @demelar Рік тому

      We've met a few reversers. Not sure how far north they plan to go, but they seem happy.