Day 24: Ligano Sabbiadoro to Trieste, July 25th.

Up around 8. It was raining so I stayed in the tent for a while waiting for it to die off. The morning was slow. After using the bathroom, filling up my water, drying (somewhat) and packing my tent I went to check out. I was waiting around 30 mins to get my passport back. Luckily, since I had no car, they only charged me for half a pitch, and I paid 27 euros. I finally left the camp around 10.

I’m worried my new tube also has a slow puncture in it, albeit very slow. It holds up alright. Maybe it’s in my head. The cycling has been slightly more interesting so far today. I can once again see mountains in the distance. Around 12 it started to rain, then it started to RAIN. Thunder and lightning as usual. I cycled along a main road as the rain grew super heavy. Luckily there was a wine and food place nearby. I stopped there and they beckoned me in out of the rain. I’m drinking a coke and eating a toastie. Not too bad.

***

The rain eased and I continued on my way. I followed Eurovelo 8 for a while before turning off to skip out a section and make it to Trieste in time for 6. I was also very tired. The mountains continued to look pretty in the distance and the kms ticked by. I cycled on pavements, paths and mini-roads. About 30km from Trieste I stopped at a co-op and picked up some much needed snacks. I’d finished the last of my fruit gums at the restaurant, and the packet of nuts I had left shortly after, pouring them into my mouth on the move. The remaining kms were mainly spent on main roads which sloped slightly up. They offered little chance to rest. I powered on. With 9km to go the roads switched to downhill, and I mean DOWN…

The path I took into Trieste was the steepest yet, and my brakes hardly got me there, complaining all the way. At last I made it and, after pausing for a photo by the fountain, I weaved my way through the relatively picturesque city towards G’s parent’s flat.

I arrived at 6 precisely. Her mum welcomed me warmly. She speaks decent English. Her dad struggles a bit, but he warmed up later with some beers and peach vodka down him. I locked my bike up and went to the flat. Their dog, Tia, was very cute and very friendly. I could not stop her clawing at and jumping up my legs, nor did I want to. They showed me to G’s room.

I took a shower then we ordered pizza. It didn’t take long to come. Me and G’s mum chatted about my journey, Italian history, Guilia, and languages. After the pizza and beer had been consumed her dad joined in too, where he could. It was a very pleasant evening. It’s only 9:10 but I really might sleep. I am very tired.