26 April to 28 May, 2021 - Bomba (and surrounds) - (Italy)
We have managed a few walks, a number of dine outs, and the unveiling of another Jo upcycling project.
Really, though, the pictures tell many more stories than any paragraphs I might put together.
Snow reducing on Monte Amaro
Bomba and Lake
Bee
Fuzzy little bumble bee crawls over blooms.
Top of Secondary Peak, Monte Pallano
The second high spot only had the one man made structure on top, in stark contrast to the overcrowded main peak full of communications towers. The smaller top here made it easier to appreciate the views in all directions.
Pine Spores
These young, delicate pine cones were brittle. Just tapping them was enough to make small clouds of spores puff out.
Shepherd's Hut
We have no idea of the age. We had just read that very old shepherd huts dot this area. So we walked, eyes peeled, and managed to find one.
Spritz, Tornareccio
Sun Breaks Through the Clouds
Brick Arches
The town looks so close. But there is no way from the town, to where we are, without going a long long long way around. We walked from town down to the valley, then back up, crossing fields, and at times knee deep in thistles. And then we popped out below Bomba, with this magnificent view.
Heading out for Lunch
Our first lunch out with friends. Steve, Perry, Faye up back, and of course, Jo and myself.
From the Bomba Piazza
Jo Working up a Sweat
We found out there was a working bee to improve the approach to town. I did have to duck away for an hour when we got something delivered to the house, but I came back to find Jo working hard enough for the two of us.
Weaponised
Bomba working bee.
Another Mood Captured from our Window
Ooh, this Time it's Sunset!
Another Transformation
This is now my work desk. Another acquisition from a "mercato ustao". The old school desk was given a Jo treatment.
A couple from the UK, fellow Bombese expats, recommended a straightforward but rewarding walk. About a half hour's drive from Bomba, the trail winds through a gorge to the monastery of San Martino. It was a beautiful visit to nature, and the ruins nestled under towering cliffs were very picturesque. The cliffs were dotted with rock climbers, and many graded climbing routes were signposted. The path is also the head for so many more hiking trails that go deep in to the national park, opening up many possibilities for exploring the mountain region around, and up, Monte Amaro. We left with our heads full of possibilities.
The Monastery of San Martino
Looking back from the Valley to the Gorge
Jo in the Magnificent Gorge, San Martino
Even before we arrived in Bomba, coastal Vasto was on our "to-do" list . Given that it is within Chieti, it is surprising that it took almost four months for us to get down there. Although I used the word coastal, the old town is high above the sea and feels more like a hill top town. The seaside part had a nice sandy beach, but is very developed with grids of umbrellas and sunbeds separating the water from strips of restaurants and hotels. We spent the most part of the day in the winding lanes and archways of the historic centre. There is a loggia, or belvedere, with restaurants and bars. This was a perfect loctaion for lunch enjoying views that stretch many kilometres down to the south.
Truth be known, we really loved putting on our "tourist" hats for the day, and just taking in the sights. Through churches, looking up at the buildings, and drinking on piazzas.
Resti della chiesa di San Pietro
All that remains of the old church of Saint Peter. A beautiful and evocative facade. The rest was destroyed by a landslide in the 1950s.
Old Town, Vasto
Lunch on the Vasto Belvedere
Yes, we caved and had seafood, again.
The Remains of San Cesario
In the crypt of the church of Saint Mary 'Maggiore', the remains of San Cesario.
Coffee in an Old Piazza, Vasto
