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Ferrying Bus across channel
Getting on the ferry at Messina The bus ride was not terrible but not comfortable either. I sat by a nice Italian girl who knew the bus drivers. We were put in the front row of seats, me by the window. There were 2 bus drivers who alternated every 3 or 4 hours. The bus started in Catania, where I was dropped off by the ferry bus, and ended in Gallipoli. I guess I’ve ridden the entire line.
My destination was Gallipoli, which comes from the Greek word meaning beautiful city. It is a fishing village on the coast of southern Itlay. It has an old town on an island, which is linked to the new town by a 16th century bridge. The harbors are still used today by fishing boats, and there is plenty of fresh seafood and a seafood market.
The end of the road for the bus was in the new part of town. No one knew how to get a taxi, and I did not ever see one, so maybe they just aren’t available. I dragged the bag down the main street of town, looking for the street of my B&B, and asking everyone who would talk
My B&B
Hard to find! to me. I found a map posted but it didn’t help much. I saw the train station, and decided to get my ticket for tomorrow’s trip to Otranto. The agent spoke English, and suggested I stop at the travel agency down the street for help on the B&B.
The women there mapquested the address and found the B&B! Of course I had passed the street earlier on my walk. I still needed some help finding the location. A very nice man looked at the name, and said OH, and yelled at a man across the street. The owner, Andreas, greeted me and carried my bag up to the second floor. There are two very nice bedrooms and a bath here. He is giving me the second for my bags!!! This is very clean, comfortable, and has an upstairs terrace porch outside and WIFI!
I walked along the beach… not much of one by my standards. It has a lot of trash around, all huge boulders, no sand at all. The water is beautiful, however… crystal clear, with fish swimming everywhere.
The town business is some tourism and lots of fishing. I
Dinner Gallipoli
Beautiful location at sunset watch dozens of fishermen mending nets. There are 2 harbors and lots of boats, and a fresh fish market.
The old town is on an island. I walked across the bridge to the old town and explored. Andreas had provided me with a map so I could find my way. This old town has 17 churches and a convent! There is a castle, museum, restaurants, souvenier shops. I stopped at a pizzeria and got a pizza viennesse with tomatoes, cheese and sausage. Very good!
I came home and took a nap…. I was really exhausted. Sleeping on a bus is not very restful! Then I worked on the blog for a while.
I went to dinner down on the waterfront. I had seafood soup that was amazing: fresh prawns, muscles, clams, a whole fish, and a sepa. It was wonderful. I talked to an American couple traveling on their own and we exchanged emails. Their kids are Drs. in Kansas City. I returned to the room for a nice sleep.
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sarah
non-member comment
Fun Fun!
Looks amazing!!!!