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Debi Shaw

Debi Shaw

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    • Debi ShawReisendeCroatia, Greece & Italy

      Chiesa di San Francisco d’Assisi, Ostuni

      14. oktober 2024, Italia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

      The first church we came across, and couldn’t miss, was the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi, located in the main square. It was founded in 1304 by the Order of the Minor Friars, who took care of it for the next five centuries, and like most historic building it has undergone major transformations through the centuries.

      This altar is a replica of the altar of the Immaculate Conception, sculpted from local stone by local craftsmen in the late 18th century and painted to resemble marble.
      The original altarpiece has been modified to fit a papier-mâché relief of Our Lady of the Rosary. It is a typical piece, using humble papier-mâché to recreate a nearly three-dimensional scene of intense devotion.

      What caught my eye the most in this church were the striking stained glass windows, and yet I can’t find any information about when they were created and who by. Obviously part of the later renovations and the style of this is quite eye-catching.      Les mer

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    • Debi ShawReisendeCroatia, Greece & Italy

      Ostuni, Italy

      14. oktober 2024, Italia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

      This afternoon we visited Ostuni, a city in Italy’s Apulia region known as "La Città Bianca" for its gleaming white buildings. Ostuni's history stretches back over millennia with settlements from ancient tribes to the Normans and beyond, however what visitors can see today dates from between the 1400s and the 1700s. Ostuni's history is evident in its Gothic cathedral and medieval streets, and the panoramic views that sweep across the countryside to the Adriatic Sea are one of its draw-cards.

      Ostuni has quite a different feel than what I was expecting. Known as the ideal Italian getaway with its closeness to the Adriatic sea, its location amongst the olive groves and its extensive history, I was very much looking forward to visiting this town. However, after experiencing the beauty and quaintness of Locorotondo, Monopoli and Cisternino, Ostuni seemed to be lacking. Being a bigger city it has more cafes and restaurants filling the main square and the few historic buildings and churches were closed. It was just lacking the vibe we love of the smaller towns.

      After checking out the only church open, and the most prominent one, we continued walking through the town to the prime viewing point of the city rising above the green valley and sea in the distance. We could understand why it was called the white city and we can see its appeal.

      After having a wander through town and the steep laneways we chose one of the many restaurants to sit and enjoy yet another delicious Italian lunch. We had the most delicious fresh salads, Brad’s was with octopus and mine was with chicken. The freshness of the ingredients over here make all the difference. It was a lovely light lunch followed with a few Hugo spritz while we waited for our driver to return.

      Ostuni doesn’t have that rustic feel we love and does have a modern vibe to it with the collection of bars and restaurants crowding the middle of town. It really isn’t a place for people watching and the views were of the other restaurants and I think that is what made the difference.

      It is certainly a lovely town to visit but it hasn’t knocked the others off my “favourites” list.      Les mer

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    • Debi ShawReisendeCroatia, Greece & Italy

      Amazing Alberbello, Italy

      13. oktober 2024, Italia ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

      Today we revisited Alberobello. This town was one that captivated us when we were here in 2018 and we were curious to see if it had changed much. When we first visited it wasn’t as well known as it is today and today it was packed with people and full of “tacky” tourist shops. While it has lost some of its simple charm the trulli still intrigue me.

      Alberobello was first settled in the 16th century and today is known as one of Italy’s most beautiful towns. The trulli of Alberobello have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

      We enjoyed walking among the trulli, and of course taking many photos of these unique buildings as it is still such a picturesque town. We managed to find a little bar in a side lane to have a spritz and snacks before enjoying one of the best gelatos from this trip.

      I am glad we decided to revisit Alberobello so see the changes but we can tick that off our list now. And the snack of the day was a packet of cheese ring chips and limoncello spritz while waiting for the bus home. So Italian.      Les mer

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    • Debi ShawReisendeCroatia, Greece & Italy

      Another Magical Morning in Monopoli

      11. oktober 2024, Italia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

      I can’t get enough of our beautiful morning views of our balcony. I don’t want to leave here but sadly today is our last morning in Monopoli. Once again I got to witness the beauty of the sun rising over the sea and watch the local fishermen fishing for octopus. It is fascinating to watch them and what a tiring job, but a fabulous location to work in. I was lucky enough to see one of the fishermen have a very successful morning and in one of the videos he is showing off his catch to another fisherman. I would be proud too considering how long it takes to catch one. It was yet another great start to the day.

      And the bonus of our apartment is we have a loo with a view so even when you go to the toilet you can still admire the scenery.      Les mer

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    • Debi ShawReisendeCroatia, Greece & Italy
      1

      Lazy Day in Monopoli, Italy

      10. oktober 2024, Italia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

      We have enjoyed our down time in Monopoli, thanks to Brad’s error. This morning we wandered around to the beach area which is so not like our beaches at home. The beach here is a small cove with minimal coarse sand and lots of rocks. The locals here sun bake on the rocks which looks extremely uncomfortable.

      Thankfully the weather was divine and we enjoyed a very refreshing swim. It is such an amazing feeling floating in the sea looking back at the historic town we are staying in. Such a simple pleasure but so enjoyable.

      After freshening up we headed out for our last stroll around town before enjoying yet another delicious meal. Brad of course had seafood and I thought I was having a panini but it was actually a hamburger. I got that translation completely wrong. It was delicious though. A Hugo cocktail or two followed by our favourite gelato and then we rolled ourselves home.

      We ended our last day in Monopoli enjoying drinks and snacks on our balcony, reminiscing on our fabulous our time here has been.      Les mer

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    • Debi ShawReisendeCroatia, Greece & Italy
      1

      Magical Morning in Monopoli, Italy

      8. oktober 2024, Italia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

      I woke early to the gentle sounds of the waves hitting the rocks outside our front window. It is such a soothing feeling waking up by the sea. Luckily I was early enough to catch the morning sun rising over the ocean. It was so peaceful enjoying my morning coffee sat on the balcony marvelling at the beauty before me. Sadly photos just don’t manage to capture the purity and richness and richness of the colours as the sky changes. It is truely something very special.Les mer

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    • Debi ShawReisendeCroatia, Greece & Italy

      Last Lunch in Athens

      30. september 2024, Hellas ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

      Next on the agenda was lunch and we returned to our favourite spot next to the site of Hadrian’s library, under the trees and vines. We tried a different restaurant today, Ydria Greek bistro, with Brad enjoying a very delicious lunch of Greek lamb chops and I had one of the best burgers I have ever eaten. Coupled with some refreshing cocktails we enjoyed a couple of hours relaxing and enjoying the cooler weather. It was a nice way to end our time in Athens.

      We haven’t been overly impressed with Athens on this trip. It seems to have deteriorated since last time we were here and has been jammed packed with people. Today seemed to have less people about and with the cooling breeze it was nice to enjoy our last day in Athens. Of course we ended our day with a delicious gelato while we counted down the hours until we make our way “home” - Italy that is.      Les mer

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    • Debi ShawReisendeCroatia, Greece & Italy

      A Lazy Day in Athens

      29. september 2024, Hellas ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

      After a very tiring two day tour of the Meteora Monasteries and returning to Athens very late last night, we were hoping for a sleep in but with jack hammering starting at 7.30 we were awaken with a start. Not the slow start we wanted but thankfully it didn’t last long. We spent the morning washing and relaxing before deciding to head out for a stroll around town.

      What we did not realise was today was the Run/Walk for Breast Cancer and the streets and cafes were filled with competitors. And being Sunday the one church we stepped into was filled with church goers watching a Christening. Sunday is not a quiet day in Athens.

      To avoid the crowds we decided to return to Taverna Karyatis, Thankfully it wasn’t as busy as the main streets and we were able to get a table in the shade to sit and enjoy yet another delicious lunch and a beer for Brad and a cocktails for me. The perfect way to avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle.      Les mer

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    • Debi ShawReisendeCroatia, Greece & Italy

      Dinner in Kalabaka, Greece

      27. september 2024, Hellas ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

      After an absolutely fabulous but long day we opted for a quick dinner at a restaurant just up from where we were staying. I had the most delicious chicken souvlaki and Brad enjoyed the biggest fried calami we have ever seen. Thankfully it was amazing. The waiter even took Brad in to see where they grill all the meat.

      We also managed to feed a couple of stray dogs and cats, which made my heart sore. I just wanted to take them home and love them. That is one of the hard things to see in Athens. There was even a cat on the rocks with us up at the Meteroa watching the sun set. Who knew where its home was.

      We had an early night as we have another tour in the morning to see more monasteries.      Les mer

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    • Debi ShawReisendeCroatia, Greece & Italy

      Sunset Over the Meteora

      27. september 2024, Hellas ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

      Ironically we ended our sunset tour watching the sun set over the magnificent Meteora and the monasteries, sat on one of the mountain tops. While there were quite a few people we were sharing the experience with it was a peaceful and beautiful moment. This is just a breath-taking place.Les mer

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