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Published: June 13th 2022
Today was a perfect morning in an Italian town. I came to Pavia around eight in the morning when things were still closed and only the occasional dog walker was on the street. I had a clear view of the river, buildings and alleys. I settled into a vibrant cafe behind the church and sat with locals, enjoying breakfast and watching the town wake up. All the cliches were around me, only they were not cliches, they were normal day routines. And I am sitting in the middle..maybe a touristy kind of cliché?
Mothers on bikes with young child on back cutting through the courtyard, fathers on bikes laughing as they chatted to their child on back of bicycle, old men in nice shirts sipping espressos, young men with that dark curly hair ordering cappuccinos before work, very smartly dressed women talking more with their hands than their spoken words. There were far more locals than tourists and the waitress seemed genuinely happy to serve you. On the other side of the small square vans were unloading deliveries, and even the workmen seemed happy. The air was pleasantly cool.
I spent the morning exploring the old town of Pavia.
Breakfast in church courtyard cafe
Enjoying a delicious ham & cheese sandwich with cappuccino while watching the town wake up.What I appreciated the most is that this isn’t a tourist destination like Venice. This is a hip university town where everyone is proceeding with their day. I got to quietly play tourist, and walk on the famous covered bridge, pop into a university and lovely glassed-in courtyard. I strolled around and watched shops and markets open, and streets come alive (but not get crowded). I admired buildings and side streets. I listened while people used “ciao” to say ‘hello’ as well as ‘good bye’. I needed this charming day to celebrate Italy, and to forget the hassle of trains yesterday. It is a bit unnerving when an Italian person says that you can’t trust public transportation. Yesterday I blamed it being Sunday for a cancelled train, misInformation from staff, a train with no air conditioning , too few workers to tell, not just me, where the correct platform was located. Yes, it was strangely comforting to see regular commuters panic while looking for number 22. There were at least five of us dashing for the train. It was a long day, but with the help of a few kind strangers, I got to my final destination. And today I
Tower
I have lost interest in the name or history of these keystone buildings and I much prefer the beauty of old buildings. Today I enjoyed listening to local chatter, too. have really enjoyed this Italian city, Pavia.
The afternoon heat is too much for me, so I am in my air conditioned hotel room waiting for it to cool down and then I can pick a restaurant and order an Italian supper. Tomorrow I head for France.
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heather allisonhames
non-member comment
lovely
The university looks so lovely Ter. What a lovely day you have had after yesterday's craziness with the trains. You are a true adventurer. Next time I am coming with you.