The next day for breakfast I also meet Lloyd from Australia, he wants to go to the sanctuary as well, and we're happy to share his company. We set off a bit later than planned, but we're not too concerned; it's a lovely day and we make our way to the cathedral where we're to meet Flavia and her boyfriend. Lloyd is a bit worried about money, last time he wanted some money from the ATM, his card was rejected. Marcel is worried about the girl he went out with last n...

When I get up the next morning, the freshness of the place is still everywhere. After breakfast I meander up the hill between the olive orchards to Assisi town itself. I just walk through cobbled streets, choosing whichever street seems to lead me to the top of the mountain. The day is just starting and people are busy opening their shop or cafe for the day, but not too busy to greet me with a cheerful 'Buon Giorno'. It's a sunny day and take my time, looking at ...

I leave Roma at noon on a train, and enjoy a two hour journey through the Italian landscape. I get several seats to myself, and thoroughly enjoy the comfort of enough legroom, beautiful views - I lean back and smile smugly to myself, listening to Pat Matheney and Charles Haden on my MP3 player. Elisabetta gave me some Norwegian sweets and Barbara a magazine. I am really going to enjoy travelling through Europe by train. When I get to Assisi I just grin. And I...

It's just too much. I have no words left.

It's just a couple of days before the holy days of Easter. The last days of Christ will be re-enacted in the streets. From the Vatican the Pope will speak to the enormous crowds that travel to see him at Easter each year. It's a big event, televised around the world. Elisabetta gets a text message from her father saying that her mother is looking for her amongst all the faces on TV. Christian groups have come from around Europe and America to this Mecca of cat...