After yesterday’s rather epic journey from Berlin, through Switzerland to Italy I was knackered by the time I arrived in the lovely Alpine town of Tirano. I was in bed not long after 20;00 as I desperately needed sleep. When I woke up this morning I decided to take stock, take some time out and revisit my plans. I was determined to make it to Italy and originally had the idea of pressing on to Milan and maybe Turin. Today I decided otherwise and stay in Tirano for a couple more nights. Today’s been a day for leaving the camera bag at home and giving my body a rest. Instead I’ve carried the camera around with just a couple of lenses, which has certainly given My back and shoulders a break. I’ve ambled rather than route marched, and even I’ve eaten in restaurants rather then out of supermarkets. It’s been a refreshing break from the hectic pace of the last three weeks. Even so, I’ve still clocked up over 11 miles and 21,000 steps.

Part of taking time out was so that I could have chance to work out how I’m going to get back the the UK. I’d a number of scenarios in mind, which included getting an overnight ferry from the hook of Holland back to Harwich, but as I’m staying here in Tirano my plans of changed. Now I’ll be heading back to Zurich for a night, then making my way to Aachen in Germany, another town I’ve not visited before. After that I’ll be making my way back through Belgium and France to Calais for a the night before getting the ferry back the way I came – Dover. I’ve an Interrail day in the bank with not having travelled anywhere today, so I’m going to spend it travelling back from Kent to Halifax a day later than planned, but I’ll still be home in time for tea – and to prepare to head off to Swindon the next day on a commission!

Tomorrow I’ll be having a day out exploring the route of the Bernina express – but by the same local trains that I arrived on. They’re much more fun as you can lean out of the open windows, so they’re far better for photography. I managed to get some good pictures yesterday, but the line’s so scenic one trip isn’t enough.

Anyways, here’s some pictures from yesterday, and today…

I’ve a small favour to ask…
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Cheers,

Paul