Gallipoli

Due to our position last night, adjacent to the ferry terminal for ferries to Albania, we thought it best to put our extra security locks on, the doors of the van. But, all was fine. As expected, we were awoken, courtesy of the cockerel.

We left this morning, before eleven o' clock, planning on visiting the city of Lecce. But when we arrived, there was just too much traffic, and no hope of parking the van. So it was 'arrivederci' Lecce, and with that, Marge promptly took control, and with a hand signal, (no, not that one), launched herself into the Italian traffic. We decided, to cross to the other coast, to the town of Gallipoli, with its castello, (castle), and, old town.

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We managed to find parking for Marge quite easily, in a car park, that was free from one to four in the afternoon, siesta time. Gallipoli, is a smart coastal town, with the clear waters of the sea lapping at its edge, in which brown mullet swim, and traditional fishing boats bob.

We are now on the heel, of Italy, and from here you can see right around the bay, almost to the end point. We, walked around the narrow streets of the town, photographed the chapel, castello, churches, and fantastic cathedral. Down on the quayside were a row of classic cars. From the banners,we realised a classic car rally was happening here this weekend, and was something to do with the Lecce, automobile club.

We photographed the cars, and sent a photograph of the red ferrari, and a porsche, to our grandson Jack, who loves all things to do with super-cars.

On route here, we saw acres and acres of dead olive trees. This area, Puglia, has been worse affected by a bacteria that infiltrates the olive trees. The bacteria is carried from tree to tree, by a tiny, little bug. We found the sight devastating, but obviously, not as devastating, as the owners, of the trees. That's the one thing about travelling to other countries. You are naive to think, that everything will look, and be, as it is, in all the books you read about a country, written by people living the dream. No one, ever seems to write about about the reality, which we were seeing in front of our own eyes today. We felt saddened, seeing the landscape so blighted, and knowing, how the situation, must have affected many peoples income, and lifestyles.

After our visit to Gallipoli, we decided to head back to Brindisi, for another night, as we have decided to turn back, and head north up the east coast. On our way, we were diverted off the dual carriageway, because of an accident involving a jack knifed lorry, carrying scrap aluminium. It was only yesterday, that we commented that we were suprised we saw so few accidents here, considering such terrible driving. This evening, we cannot hear the cockerel, which we know from comments on the internet, has been here for at least two years. Let's hope, it hasn't ended up in somebodies cooking pot. It is Friday night, so perhaps it's found a lady friend for a night out. Talking of lady friends, the roads leading to the major towns and cities in the area, seem to have a good representation. One was sat in her car, alongside the traditional plastic garden chair, this brought a whole new meaning to the 'home office'. It is quiet on the aire to tonight. Next to us are a Dutch couple, who seem very nice. We think, they may be on-route to Greece, as they were keen to walk out this evening, and see the Greek car ferry. Considering, they've travelled from Holland, she seemed to be dressed very pristine. You can normally spot the campervan/motorhome owner, we are normally clean, but a little crumpled. The Dutch lady showed signs of stays on campsites, with washing machines and irons. Where's the fun in that, we came away to escape such chores. Campervan life, releases you from the constraints of normality. Just one thing, could someone arrange for Amazon to deliver a washing machine to us!