We got up yesterday and after a stop at our internet bar we headed off to Aquileia, a very small town about 50kms away that we had heard about but had absolutely no idea what to expect. It was hotting up when we got there and found the old Roman port area, we walked along and through it and really expected nothing else. So we kind of sauntered up to the Basilica and WOW!! The entire floor was covered in the most wonderful mosaics from the 4th and 5th century. It was enthralling and so gorgeous that we spent ages there, far longer than we expected to spend. There were also fantastic frescoes so it was a wonderful surprise.
We then stopped at a lovely bar near the basilica and had an aperitif then started back for the car stopping for the best gelato I have had (I’ve only had one other) this time. Delicious. Our walk back also took in the Roman Forum, also part of the site. So that was a great success. It was very hot and we headed back for the house, stopping to buy wine because the friends of Chris’ next door had invited us to dinner. We got back and although I was dying for a swim the sea was rough and it was high tide so I was worried about getting into the water without scraping my leg or falling over, so I didn’t go for a swim which was tough because I had to sit in the shade and let the mossies munch on me.
Later last night we went in next door and had a delicious meal of seafood risotto followed by delicious chicken with zucchini and lemon. That was nice. We were in bed later than we ever are i.e. after 11. Then I had an horrendous mid-sleep experience….I woke up and felt something in my hair and moving!! I grabbed at it and pulled it out, turned on the light and there was this massive (a couple of inches) caterpillar/slug on my pillow….aaagh!! It was all I could do to settle myself down after that horror-movie scene.
We will (hopefully) go into to our bar to send this this morning but tomorrow is a massive public holiday in Italy and nothing will be open so I will be off air for a couple of days.
That’s it for now my darlings. I think I may go in for a morning swim while the sea is calm and the tide out.
P.s Have just been for a most divine swim in crystal clear water….truly heaven!! Now into town for a wifi hit.