Ok, on with the show; expect sporadic posts.
Vanesa drove me the short distance across the border and into Gorizia. After a quick spot of sightseeing and coffee - bless the Italians for their coffee, I was on a train heading to Padova. Back on Day 321 in Granada I briefly introduced Alessia; Alessia lives in Padova and invited me to stay for a few days.
Something that slightly amused and simultaneously worried me was seeing Italian police with bungee straps attaching their handgun to their belts - all I could think was they must have butter-fingers.
A quick change at the train station in Venice and I soon arrived in Padova. I walked across into the city centre towards the university district where I would meet Alessia. Passing through the old town it's always pleasing to see yellow pastel-coloured buildings and cobblestone streets; in this case a little saturated from a smattering of rain.
Laden with a backpack and the excess on my front as if some kind of pregnancy-training rucksack, I was quite easy to spot; also the great big bushy beard of the time helped.
After our reunion, Alessia took me home to meet her family. They are wonderful people and made me feel incredibly comfortable. En-route Alessia pointed out the engraving on one of the university buildings dedicated to none other than Benito Mussolini, I was surprised to say the least.
A quick bite to eat and we were off to Alessia's volleyball game. I had never been to a volleyball match before but it was quite exciting. In fine Italian form the audience were relatively silent until one team scored at which point the proud friends and family would erupt into rapturous applause.
We finished the evening at the birthday party of Alessia's friend. They had rented a hall next to a local church in which to celebrate with a plentitude of home-baked cake and wine by the gallon. It felt wonderful to be a part of.