Otranto to Santa Cesarea Terme

Big name for a little seaside spa town. We took an alternate route today, new route, new views!

Started off with another stellar Puglian breakfast, outstanding!

Flanked by wheat fields and always, always brilliant wild flowers scenting the air, it's an easy way to walk. Fields are marked by old crumbling stone walls. Not a lot appears industrialized, this is old school agriculture. Hard work.

We even see an actual shepherd with a flock. He has 2 canine assistants, a very conscientious border colllie and a more casual fellow that's just there for fun and company I guess. But the collie came right up to me and laid its head against my leg trustingly. It's a moment that seems as if our Annie dog had come back as an Italian sheep dog. I think she'd like that. I did.

I'm distracted by an ancient Roman lighthouse, while Brad is completely overtaken by the speeding motorcycles rocketing past us near constantly. I'm not sure if he is more envious of their speed and road thrills or of the simple fact they're not walking😅.

These roads are motorcycle heaven. S curves, hills, valleys, seaside. I think it used to be more bicycle, but at least today, motors rule.

Today's hotel is the gorgeous Villa Rafaella, summer home of the Baroness Rafael la. A fabulous example of 19 th century villas.

We've finally arrived somewhere early..and it's too early to check in! We find rest at a nearby cafe to wait, and I'm refreshed by a soda, followed by a campari and soda. The waitress glanced at me then said to Brad your wife has very kind eyes, I think she's a good person. What an amazing spontaneous thing to say, and I'm writing it so I don't forget on a bad day that there was this moment. Plus the Annie moment, so it's another win.

Small blister notwithstanding.Read more