There are 3 canals in our hotel neighborhood. People kayak, sup, & groups propel these boats – usually kids & their coaches encourage them with loud chants – they are having a blast!

Loved this place! Housed in an old distillery they are having fun and making a statement through art.

After our bike ride in Puglia, we sought out sunshine & warmer weather – we found that in Milano. Much to our surprise, we stayed here for 6 days. Transportation around town is easy – both walking & metro system. G found some pb games & I found lively neighborhoods.

We toured Duomo & its terraces and are transcended by both. We have seen some of the great ‘houses of worship’ and I think Duomo -Milan is our favorite. There are 130+ spires – hard to imagine the craftsmanship that went into creating them and now to maintain them. We also found the cathedral interior to be incredibly inviting. Especially when you consider that it holds 40,000 people. ( forget about getting tickets for Easter – gone!). So I am going to post too many photos – cuz we liked it!

We finished our bike trip today. Rain was predicted & we dissected the weather maps & for the most part – dodged the raindrops. We biked for 4 days and each day was spectacular. Small charming towns. Archeological ruins. Spectacular shorelines. We think the best we have seen. Whether you want to bike, hike,take cooking classes, or shop. This area is worth a visit- just make certain it is not rainy, windy, & cold!

We saw a number of hikers & this area seems to be popular for group hikes.

Really do not expect you to be – wowed- by these photos – rather just an idea of beauty in area.

Oh yeah – when you want a break – stop in one of the local shops for a cappuccino. Cap is great. Shopkeeps fun! Supporting local biz. And you will never ever pay more than $1.50.

Thank goodness the weather in Puglia has broken. Rain & wind stopped & sun came out.

We started in Lecce – on to Gallipoli. Biked on quiet country roads past vineyards, olive orchards, abandoned ancient olive oil mills. Through small towns & lots of locals. And through a beautiful park with amazing water views.

Day 2 of bike trip is Gallipoli to Santa Marta de Leuca. Perhaps one of the most scenic water/shoreline rides ever.

Day 3

Santa Maria de Leuca to Otranta.

Gorgeous shoreline ride – this time with major climbs – spectacular.

…find a time of year when weather is good – not too hot & not too crowded & treat yourself to a visit to Puglia. So much natural beauty & not overcrowded!

In Florence -Gallery Academia – adjacent to David.

In the gallery, there is a small (50) collection of musical instruments. Stradivarius, harpsichord & of course…2 Hurdy Gurdys. What? Indeed part of the collection. Beautiful.

Wait…isn’t Hurdy Gurdy Man a song by Donovan?

Yes to both. Kind of fun. Definitely a flashback to songs of the 60s.

Lots of people visit Florence & it is an amazing place. This was our first time there and it did not disappoint. We stayed across the Arno River in a lovely neighborhood & out of the hub-bub of tourists. Yet still a close walk.

What an unexpected surprise! No plans to visit Bologna – chose to escape rainy cold weather in Puglia & trains went to Bologna. Home of world’s oldest university – since 1088. Beautiful university buildings, walkways, parks.

Population 400,000. 100,000 students. A very vibrant city. Charming walkable streets. Great parks. Interesting architectural elements of porticos – walkways- interesting. Greg rode his bike to play pickleball & I felt very comfortable wandering & exploring city on my own.

We took a foodie/walking tour & learned about what makes food in Bologna different from other parts of Italy. Lots of meat. We stayed in a great B&B & found an amazing restaurant in our neighborhood. So good!

I would definitely like to return !

We spent hours amazed by the ‘things’ unearthed at Pompei – at the Napoli Archeological Museum.

So why this photo of this artwork?

This was created in 400 bc. It could be a current rendition of women in conservative Islam dress today. Whether in Turkey, Egypt, or Jordan – this is traditional garb seen often today. I must note- seen the most in Jordan, and not so much in Egypt or Turkey. Think about this – this is a very long time to keep this tradition.