Friday 11 April 2025 - Brindisi


Although Brindisi is a large ferry and military port, we find it a very attractive place to be. The people are just lovely; so friendly, helpful and welcoming. Often, on our previous visits, there has been something of cultural interest going on. Today, groups of excited school children were being shepherded to the harbour by their watchful teachers. A Guardia di Finanza frigate and a large Guardia Costieri vessel were tied up, on show. As we passed, it wasn’t clear if the children would be allowed to board, but I’m guessing they would be. Lots of the various military and other government groups of people, dressed in their immaculate uniforms, stood by.

 The town was buzzing; the coffee shops packed, but the turn over is fast, as most people stand at the counter for their coffee, often with a cornetto. Breakfast is rapid in this part of the world.

Being immersed in the language, our Italian speaking and understanding is improving rapidly, which is a delight. It’s also helpful that we now know where to source the things we need, but new to us today was finding where we could buy Columba di Pasqua, the Italian Easter cake, which is very similar to panettone, but comes in the shape of a cross. In the afternoon we stopped in a Pasticceria in a residential area of town, and the very nice baker directed us to a coffee shop on one of the more main streets. Piled up were beautiful boxes of various flavours of Columba. We understand that, along with panettone, it’s difficult to make so only made by the bakeries and not in the home, so, unsurprisingly, the good quality ones are expensive. Never mind, it’s delicious.



Distance today -       0 Miles

Distance this year - 63 miles 

Tricia (and Steve)

 

 

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