Rest Day: Pavia — June 28, 2022

30^oC with rain in the afternoon

(By Laurel)

Ahhhh, just what we needed now!  A rest day!  And Pavia was a pleasant place to spend it.  We wandered about the old town, stopping in to see the Cathedral and other churches, and generally enjoying the atmosphere.  History abounds — in 476 AD, Pavia was the site of the killing of Flavius Orestes which led his son Romulus Augustulus to be the last Emperor of Rome.  The University of Pavia was founded in 1343 and is among the oldest universities in the world in continuous operation.  There were many students going to and fro and filling sidewalk cafes with a youthful buzz.

After trekking over 600 kms on the VF to date, plus previous use, my shoes are wearing out (I don’t blame them).  I picked up a new pair here and will put them into service tomorrow.  My feet will hopefully approve.

Top photo:  covered bridge in Pavia and, in the foreground, a statue honoring laundresses

Bottom:  traversing the bridge

The Cathedral in Pavia

Various scenes in Pavia’s old town

Top photo:  window shopping at the “Canadian Store”

Bottom:  trying on shoes (but not at the “Canadian Store”)

Cobblestone streets in Pavia