Here I am in Lecce. And I’m with the masses, all of whom seem to have descended on Lecce in anticipation of being with me.
But lets start from the beginning. Chris had to pick up a friend from the airport so we were up early and she dropped me at the train station on her way. So I was very early for my train. No problem sitting and having a nice cappuccino while waiting though. I got a special on the train ticket for over 60s and 1st class was the same price as 2nd which is where I usually am. Didn’t make a huge difference but it was less crowded. It was a 5.5hr train trip so less crowded was good!!
Anyway, no problems. I then walked to the airbnb from the station. Got a bit lost but nothing I couldn’t work my way out of. Anyway, I got here and it’s a lovely old house with vaulted ceilings etc. It has everything I could want and I can really spread out for the first time in 4 weeks…it feels quite luxurious.
I set off into the city and thats when the full wammy of the crowds hit me. I just wanted to have a wander around and find my feet, get my bearings, that sort of stuff. Which I did but the crowds were alarming. I hadn’t eaten all day but couldn’t find anywhere to sit, I poked my head into the cathedral…dodging large tour groups, kept walking and got a feel for the place. I do, however, think I have enough time to get to know Lecce in and around all the tourists and it will be fine.
But I was exhausted so I redirected myself to finding a supermarket, getting some vino and cheese and coming home for a bit of respite. The Nero D’Avola is a rough drop for 2 Eu, so I’ve gone up a notch to 4 Eu and it’s terrific.
I’ll head out again now and see what luck I have finding a nice place for a proper meal. I have a couple of recommendations so I’ll set off early to try to secure myself a spot.
I went to the tourist office when I got here and I asked about day trips along the coast here which is supposed to be gorgeous. They have a thing where a private driver will take people for 60 Eu if he has 3 people. They had one other and me and were going to ring me if they had a third but no word. Who knows ‘maybe later’.
Just been out to eat, not very inspiring so far, I obviously have to get into it. As I said I had 2 recommendations, one from Chris and one from the owner of this place. I couldn’t find the Chris one for love or money, I found the other but it was really only about cheeses and cold meats. I had a buffalo mozzarella with anchovies and the produce was so fresh and delicious, but not exactly a meal. So, as compensation I got myself my first gelato for the trip. Lecce is still just buzzing at night-time, people everywhere. I will just have to slot in. The other really noticeable thing is the number of young Africans down here. I guess that makes sense in terms of entry points.
I’m going to give up for the night now and go to bed, tomorrow is another day.