San Severo

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At last.... Stopping for 6 days in Urbino. Since we last posted we have been to San Severo and Ascoli, both towns in the mid eastern regions of marche and once again beautiful with magnificent old centres and history by the bucket full. We have been lost, found, lost again in the old sector of ascoli only to be assisted by a policeman whose parents live in Adelaide and whose dream is to visit them. It is really hard to find these places sometimes Especially with no Internet connection to assist.

Our hosts have overall been lovely: the occasional exception and the language barrier increases as we move into less urban environments.

We have recently been in touch with most of our children, who are following our blog, which means a lot to us. Thanks to friends and family for your whatsapp messages and Posts in the blog. Saraya and jarli are in France and Nick in Brussels. Simon and Sophie are in London and will meet us in France in a few weeks time. Callan and Joan are doing a great job of looking after the Ballarat garden and scatter and judy likewise in Avoca (Michael says "I hope") - or judy I will bring back another book :-)

Anna is keen to revisit Urbino where she and liz became completely lost when bike riding from pesaro to Assisi. - a chance now to actually look at the beautiful towns in the area.

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Photos

S. Anna
Street named after yours truly

Hidden stonework
All the buildings in Italy a reconstructed of this wonderful and mostly rendered and painted as is the popular style

Punta trabocco
Only seen on the east coast some fishing type platform - we have now found out these are restaurants! Guess what is their speciality?

Coastal view ortana
There is a nice old stone house worth doing up here

Tunnels
So many some 4 km long under the mountains or in snow slide or rock fall areas

Ascoli door
The passion for doors is flourishing - they are so breathtaking (not to mention the wonderful locks, catches and shutter bolts)

Shutters
Original and in all the buildings - note the amazing hinges

Another style
And yes graffiti exists in all countries it seems

Arch
Amazing engineering

Mountains
On transit to Urbino - wonderful mountain scenery and little villages dotted on hill tops and along the river

Urbino sunset
View from our window