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Leaving Borgagne after a coffee at a local cafe, we were once again on the road, this time to the coastal city of Otranto.
Another day of olive groves, fields of poppies, wild flowers and country lanes with occasional dirt tracks just to sharpen the senses.
The highlights were a stop off at Torre dell'Orso where there was a spectacular rock pool/ grotto with crystal clear water. Jean managed to defy all common sense and clamber around the rocks to get yet another prime photo.
The last 20kms into Otranto were a bit tough at times with a very strong headwind to contend with. Still we made it and after a bit of a wander, caught up with the 2 other couples who are also doing this particular segment, and had a very enjoyable meal together.
We have two days in Otranto, so today is a rest day, a rest from the bikes anyway, there are still the stairs to contend with.
But is turned out to be quite a pleasant day.
We started at the market that was set up directly opposite the hotel and stocked up on some fresh fruit. Then into the old town and along the beachfront to the furthest point that Jean could find. Jean has planned to go for a swim at one of the beaches so I thought it wise to suggest that test the temp of the water before going back to the hotel, getting changed etc and walking back. After walking in for a bit, she decided that the ice hadn't quite melted enough to tempt her in just yet. It didn't stop her though from wadding in to get yet another photo. Along the way we saw our cycling friends so we stopped for a coffee and watched the world go by, then more walking until we came to yet another Martinucci cafe. These cafes specialise in the best array of cakes and pastries, so another coffee and cake and a quiet stroll back to the hotel for a short siesta before dinner.
The extra day here in Otranto was a very good idea, spent meandering around to nowhere in particular for no real reason with all the time in the world to do it. The way life should be, washing the whole lot down with a pizza and a glass of wine, overlooking the harbour.
So as another day is over, it's time to pack up and get ready for our last day of riding in Puglia, in what is forecast to be a hot 30C day for the last 60kms back to Lecce.
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