Taranto

Up at 5 to catch the 6:10 bus, from the most obscure bus stop 😊. The hotel kindly packed us lunches, and we're off on an entirely different trek.

To Taranto, via Lecce. The bus change in Lecce gives us time to walk back to the hostel to pick up our suitcases. Lecce in the early morning is so inviting, quiet cobble streets are being to build in activity and the sun is warming the stone and waking up flowers.

It almost feels a familiar walk through the narrow twisty streets back to the hostel. They are just so kind and helpful here at the lobby Collective hostel, inviting us to just relax and use the premises if we wanted. They wanted to hear how our cammino went, so we got to share some experiences.

The process to board the bus at Lecce is a bit convoluted as they are working on the station, so we're led about 3 blocks away to board.

The heat is rising when we arrive in Taranto. As is common, the area right near the bus station is sketchy so we make quick distance towards the hotel booked en route. I know I'm too dependent on the internet, but data makes life so much easier!

Our street is so perfectly Mediterranean, I'm absolutely charmed. Our hotel is in an old home with classic high ceilings and inlaid tile floors. This cool atmosphere is quite welcome!

Later, we join locals and other tourists on an evening stroll. I love the liveliness of a warm night, children darting in and out, elderly couples on a formal, arm in arm promenade, faint music, busy shops and restaurant chatter. To amble along, gaze at the latest fashions, compare possible gelato stores....this is how life should be.Read more