We’ve been to the tip of the heel today and enjoyed views of the blue Adriatic Sea from our tour van. Vinyards, olive trees and cacti in abundance in the rocky hillsides. We started the day in rain – but with Leccese caffe (Beth) and local pastries to start, we’re happy.
We found the cathedral in Galatina to soar in its magnificent interior. A Franciscan chiesa, it distinguishes itself from many Catholic cathedrals with the intensity of color on the inside. We were impressed. And now understand the difference between Baroque and Romanesque church architectural styles.
The mosaics of Otranto’s cathedral used a large tree of life motif to tell its story.
And the sun began to show itself against the Adriatic.
Though I didn’t try photos from the van interior, the scenery from Otranto to Leuca was a Mediterranean highlight on a winding coastal road.
Gallipoli showed its Greek influence in many ways. The sea breeze was balmy and we just enjoyed a city walkabout.
Home and ventured a culinary first – cavallo. To save you a trip to Google Translate, that’s horse meat – in our case in either pasta al forno or eggplant parmigiana. Actually quite tasty, if subtle. Any meal topped with niccola and fig gelato is fine by me!
The old town of Lecce has been a good jumble of churches, winding lanes and learning. Buona notte 😴
Meanwhile & Far Away 