Flowers for Mom and Flying Miles

Daily Miles: 34.21 | Total Miles: 13,436.94

I slept unbelievably well. I really needed that sleep. I fell asleep at 8:30 p.m. and slept deeply through the night. When my alarm rang at 6 a.m., I snoozed it once or twice, but I woke up already feeling happy, knowing that my family would arrive tonight for a three-day visit.

Cold coffee, packing, carrying everything downstairs, organizing the buggy, putting the key back in the lockbox—and then into the restaurant for the small breakfast that was included. Just outside I met Nicolas, already radiating good energy. Inside I had a quick Italian coffee and a chocolate croissant. Simple, but perfect. I left Cortemaggiore feeling fabulous and full of anticipation for seeing my family later that evening.

Around mile 6 I ran through a small town where a bucket filled with beautiful flower bouquets caught my eye. I carefully crossed the road to take a picture and asked the man nearby if it was okay. Abdul, from Morocco, smiled and said yes. After taking the picture I suddenly thought that maybe I should buy a bouquet for my mother when she arrives tonight. Abdul didn’t speak English, and as you know my Italian is quite limited, but somehow we understood each other. Without hesitation he picked up a small bunch of carnations and gifted them to me for my mom. Wow. Abdul, your kindness stayed with me the entire day. There is something incredibly beautiful about receiving a gift that clearly comes straight from the heart.

The road was narrow for a while and some drivers weren’t too happy to see me there, but I felt great and kept moving. At mile 13 I arrived in Piacenza and decided to take the scenic route through the old town over the cobblestones. I needed to recharge my phone—and my stomach—so I stopped for a cappuccino and another croissant, this one filled with fruit jam. The café had a wonderful atmosphere and I enjoyed the short break before running on through piazzas, historic buildings, and statues with light legs and a great spirit.

Later a construction site slowed me down and I took the opportunity to stop and drink. I met a young man with a bright yellow sweater and asked him for a picture. About ten miles before my destination my navigation lost the route—sometimes that happens when the buggy shakes over uneven ground. Luckily Luigi and Gerot passed by and helped me reconnect my phone with their hotspot. I settled back into my rhythm, but a few miles later I became so thirsty that I had to stop for an iced tea, which I drank almost in one sip.

There I met Abraham from Tunisia, very tall and very friendly. When I showed him my route on my website, he could hardly believe it. “You are so sportive,” he said, cheering me on. We took a picture and I ran on—almost flying—to the next café for another cappuccino and a muffin. Just between you and me. While recharging my phone again, I sat beside Pietro, a retired gentleman. I didn’t understand most of what he told me, but we still had a great time enjoying each other’s company.

Eventually I ran the final miles to San Martino in Strada, where I had booked a small B&B the night before. Massimo opened the gate, showed me the doors, the locks, the lights, and the room—perfect for the three of us. I carried everything upstairs and then went to the small supermarket in town to buy some goodies for my family. Massimo and his wife run a restaurant nearby, so I already knew we would go there for dinner.

I was still doing some work when suddenly my sister called to say they were outside. I was so happy to welcome them. We had a little aperitif in the room, shared some laughs, relaxed together, and later went over to the restaurant for dinner—salad and homemade pasta.

And yes—the flowers made it safely to my mom.

Now it is time to finish writing and go to sleep. I am so happy that you are here. Danke. And thank you for checking in.

A domani, Andrea