We are hanging out on Elba for another day (as planned!). This is a really nice resorty kind of hotel with almost no one else here now; I guess it is still too early in the season. We were the only ones in the restaurant for breakfast.
This is the island where Napoleon was exiled back in 1814ish, not a bad spot I’d say. It is similar to Hawaii in many ways but cooler in the winter. If you’re ambitious as he was you may find Elba a bit limiting and start developing industries such as mining and agriculture whilst improving the educational and legal services available. After a short stay of a year he left to try to re-conquer Europe but left a lasting influence on the island. There are also several old fortresses here as it was a strategic location for the various peoples that have inhabited the island.
However we decided not to explore the historical sights today as the beaches and the ocean were too inviting on such a beautiful day. Up until now the weather has been okay but not very warm so we wanted to take advantage of this and cycle around to a few beachy spots. The island isn’t very big so we were able to go to a few places easily and still get back to our Villa in time for a dip in the pool before it cooled off. We first visited the Portoferraio (Iron Port) where we arrived by ferry yesterday, then to Magazinni for lunch then to Porto Azurro for a gelato where the water is said to be bluer. The roads here are a bit narrow and busy but the drivers are mostly good and respect cyclists. We came back to the Villa for a refreshing swim and a cool drink before riding back into town for supper. George was very adventurous and ordered the zuppi de pesce (fish soup) full of mussels, prawns, octopus, and various other fishy things. With all my allergic issues I tend to be much less adventurous, especially because I can’t always confirm what exactly it is that I’m ordering.
Well off to bed so we can get a good start tomorrow as we have to catch the ferry back to the mainland before our 70 km. ride to Grosetto.
A view of Portoferraio
Magazinni makes a great lunch spot
Down into Porto Azurro
A selection of fine sailing vessels can be found in Porto Azurro
The piazza in Porto Azurro makes a great gelato stop
Elban pool babe
geeteetravels 
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