Posts Tagged ‘Palmanova’

Day 27. 77km. Palmanova – Sežana

Posted: October 9, 2014 in Cycling, Italy, Slovenia
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From busy Italian plains to quiet Slovenian hills. I was warned about the busy traffic near Trieste, so, I thought I would avoid it by cycling through Slovenia. It was lovely.

Vineyards in Slovenia

Vineyards in Slovenia

I am staying with Marko – an avid cycler in Sežana, in Slovenia just over the border from Trieste. With Slovenia as my destination today, I realised that Slovenia may be the solution to my traffic problems in Italy. I decided to go to Slovenia as quickly as possible – at Gorizia.

Border crossing, Slovenia

Border crossing, Slovenia

The road was pretty, following a nice valley through lots of vineyards, flanked by steep hills on both sides. It was rather cloudy, and the not good light conditions for photos, but a pleasant, and, more importantly, quiet.

Marko, my warm showers host, has been cycling everywhere on this planet. He gave me lots of tips for Slovenia, Croatia and Albania. I am quite excited at seeing some of these places. The next leg of my trip is gaining form! Yay!!

Me and Marko

Me and Marko

Day 26. 127km. Venezia – Palmanova

Posted: October 8, 2014 in Cycling, Italy
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Busy straight roads on the northern Italian plains. Thanks Fabio from the Italian cycling forum for accompanying me for some of today. The kilometres raced by exchanging stories. Then, head down, as I burned the kilometres away. There’s no way to meander here anyway.

Me and Fabio

Me and Fabio

There’s no avoiding them. Main roads with lots of cars and trucks. Even the side roads which look better on the map have lots of traffic.
First, I was distracted with nice conversation with Fabio, who led the way. Then, I just followed the main road which went straight to Trieste. While cycling my brain was constantly calculating and updating the kilometres and estimated arrival times. The traffic acts as a shield to taking in any scenery. You brain power is taken up listening for cars behind, and watching oncoming cars, constantly reassessing the situation.

Then, 10km before my destination Palmanova, I left the main road. Suddenly, within 50 metres, I woke up from my daze. I saw fields. I saw trees. And I didn’t hear cars. It was like someone had flicked a switch. The living life switch.

Just off the main road

Just off the main road

And the clouds were beautiful. And threatening. Dark clouds, and occasionally light.

Light and dark

Light and dark

The clouds

The clouds