Monday 8th Nov......across to Otranto on the Adriatic coast

Really heavy rain yesterday evening, which is not going to help the flooded areas, and thunder, one extremely loud roll which shook the window frames but we awoke this morning to blue skies and very warm. We headed over towards the Adriatic coast through villages and towns in an area that is Greek/Italian.

The very large castle at Otranto. We stopped here for refreshment in a cafe that is obviously the watering hole for the local police.

Marina and small port at Otranto. The ferry goes to Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland which is very special to us as we stayed several times in Sivota which is just down the coast from Igoumenitsa. We have wonderful memories of this area of Greece especially Zagoria National Park and The Vikos Gorge which is the second deepest gorge in the world after the Grand Canyon and is so, sorry I have to say so awesome.  We stayed in the village of Monodendri for 3 nights, it was so magical with the views and the fireflies and then driving the 2 miles up a gravel "road" to the gorge and it was just wow there, this gorge with steep slopes and percipitous rocks and when we visited we were the only people there to stand in awe of this spectacular sight. The Zagoria National Park is a wooded area and is such a special area of Greece a really must visit area. We spent our time there driving around winding roads with sheer drops and amazing views around every corner. We remember having our lunch in the shade by a cool stream with the local priest a short way up the river bank instructing a class of novices. The 3 bridges of Kiri are also a must. Most of the photos hanging on our stairs at home are of this area.

Old city walls and part of castle at Otranto.

Chef bought some fish this morning, we're not sure exactly what it was but it was "bream" type. He cooked it from memory of a Rick Stein recipe, baked  with red peppers and fennel accompanied with baked  courgettes and potatoes. It was delicious, he's planning small fish tomorrow. It's great having a fish shop a minute down the road and a stones throw from a veg shop and bakers.