We took the circuitous route to Lecce today to see the best scenery. It was a fairly hot day again, maybe 30 or so, but tolerable with the breeze. From Otranto we headed north up the coast to some more beachy areas. There was another old tower, Torre d’Orso, and the town of San Foca where we saw an amazing open market.
Then we rode inland to Galatina and through various little cities on the way, all with beautiful old centers and many cathedrals of course. The churches are an interesting comment about the art and history of an area so we like to see them for that reason, not because we are religious. There has been much wealth poured into all these buildings which maybe could have been spent to help the poor, but it has also been a huge source of employment.
We found dinner in a restaurant that served food typical of this area which is simple and hearty or cucina povera (poor people’s food); pasta, fish, vegetables, cheese. There’s more variety here than on the water where most food is seafood. Tara had ciceri e tria which is chickpeas and pasta with onions and tomatoes and some of the pasta is fried rather than boiled. Delightfully filling.
After dinner we strolled past the Roman amphitheatre and the basilica in the old city. The atmosphere is inviting with all the people, beautiful sights and comfortable temperatures, something we don’t often get at home.
From farm to "Ape" (3 wheeled truck) to table, subito.
Cases upon cases of these lovelies.
Hot church stop
Space is limited
The Roman amphitheater only discovered in 1903.
geeteetravels 
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