JULY 2008: SWITZERLAND : Memories of the Via Francigena : Day 1 : Vevey

In 990 AD Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, travelled home from Rome to Canterbury overland.This remarkable journey is commemorated in a pilgrimage called the Via Francigena.

In 2008 Mark and I, with our friends, Julie and Bob, spent a month on the Via Francigena, starting in Vevey on Lake Geneva and completing the 935 km journey at St Peter’s in Rome. We walked about 500km, and used public transport as we had limited time available.

During our trip I kept a detailed diary and sent many emails home to friends and family, when we could find reliable Internet cafes. Oh, how much easier it is to travel in 2018 with my trusty IPad and ubiquitous wifi.

So here are the emails I wrote, with added photos to document the journey. 

Via Francigena : Day 1 : Arrival in Vevey, Switzerland

“We has excellent flights and second flight in Hong Kong on time. We arrived in Frankfurt about 5.45am this morning and were able to catch the train south from the airport. We had about 5 changes during the journey and the German—Swiss connections were all on perfect time, true to form.

 Vevey, where we are staying tonight is the most beautiful town on Lake Geneva in a very convenient, clean hostel near the lake. Charlie Chaplin lived out his latter years here. Gorgeous traditional buildings — picture perfect. 

Our hostel

We walked to Montreux along the lake today..in showery weather. There was a lot of activity in Montreux as the jazz festival is on — markets, food stalls and we were able to go to one of the open air free concerts. We caught the free bus back to Vevey. Tomorrow we are going on a boat to a chateau and from there begin our journey on foot.The weather forecast promises good weather for the rest of the week.”

Montreux Jazz Festival - always a dream to experience it!

Looking forward to beginning our walk tomorrow

M&M