Torre Chiancha

There were a lot less vehicles parked around us last night, so this morning, we could see a fine display of wild, red poppies opposite, their colour splattering the white washed wall behind. Once again we were awakened by the cockerel, but we didn't mind, and slept in a little, to compensate.

We, chatted to the Dutch couple next to us, swapping tips and information. He advised us on the best route back to France, and dissuaded us, from going anywhere near Germany, which we had thought we might, as the mentality there was, 'no, you cannot do that!'. Before we left, we doused Marge, after refilling her fresh water tank. It now being Saturday, and the weekend, we wondered if we shouldn't give another visit to Lecce a go. It would be a shame to be so close, and not. So off we set, the traffic a lot lighter than yesterday, and we found some parking in a car park for Marge quiet easily. Low and behold, the only campervan space, was right next to the Dutch couples van, we'd been beside last night. Small world, in such a large city. Angela went of to pay the attendant for the parking, ten euros, we know a bit steep, but glad to have found Marge a place so easily, without the stress of being caught in a narrow side street, it seemed O.K. But John, checked on the internet, and it said, we should have paid five euros. Watch out Mr Parking Attendant, who was having none of it, and suddenly did not speak a word of English. So that was that. We have noticed here in Italy, that most of the items on stalls, or in small shops, are not priced, and that at the fuel stations, there is a price for self service, and a price for serviced, of which the serviced price can differ by as much as seventeen cents a litre.

Eggs sandwiches packed in our rucksacks, we can hear you laughing! We walked into the city, wowed from the off.

The tree lined walkways, a display of blossom and flowers, the baroque architecture, a solid construction of stone and wrought iron.

The sunken Roman amphitheatre, stunning in its originality, although just a section preserved.

Our eyes were diverted everywhere, look at the balconies, the doors, the facades, the carved stone, the churches, and the striking cathedral.

At one church, we spotted a kestrel flying back and forth to a nest. Opposite, a group of young people were just finishing their lunch. They were sat at a table, which had been set up in the narrow side road, next to the restaurant. Cars were permitted in this part of the city, and they passed the diners with only a couple of inches to spare. Only in Italy! We are constantly amazed at the speed the cars travel along these narrow streets, in built up areas.

You can see where the original Fiat 500 comes into its own, and we have seen quite a few of them, whilst being in Italy.

 

As we walked on, we spotted a cockerel outside one of the shops, we were beginning to develop a phobia about cockerels! Back at Marge, we had a quick chat with the Dutch couple, who were taking time out for a cup of afternoon tea. Then we headed off, wishing them a safe onward journey.

Tonight's stop, is right beside the beach at Torre Chiancha, on the Adriatic coast.

The swell of the sea, washes over the rocks and an onshore breeze cools us, after a daytime temperature of 27c. At first there was a little uncertainty about staying here, as it is a little isolated, but now an Austrian couple have arrived with their van, so we're all relaxed. As we drift of to sleep tonight to the sound of the sea, we hope to witness a fabulous sunrise in the morning.