Darby Girl's Perspective

Day Ten: Excursion to the Tremiti Islands. We drove to the Molise region, about an hour away to Termoli where we traveled by ferry for an hour to Isole Tremiti. Wow! This archipelago of five islands has been inhabited since the Iron Age (4th century BC) and was, through various periods of history, used as a place of confinement. During the Fascist regime, homosexual men were rounded up and confined here. So, the beauty of the place is tempered by the loneliness and hardship endured by those who visited here in other circumstances. We rented a Zodiac boat and Caesar piloted us around all the islands, where we could see fish in the crystal clear water at a depth of dozens of feet. We had rough sea in a few places and it was as scary as it was beautiful. Enjoyed lunch on the island of San Nicola and a cool dip in the water afterward. That’s the story we’ll tell you in person. We ended the day at the dock in Termoli where we watched Italy lose in the Euro Cup. Think Eagles losing in the ...

Day Eight: Travel to Abruzzo. Arrivederci Giovinazzo. Said good bye to this gem by having early morning coffee overlooking the sea as the locals set up their beach day on the rocks below. Headed to home for Caesar, a couple hour ride north along the sea. Bella Italia! First stop was a visit to his beautiful Aunt and and cousin (visiting from USA also) in Francavilla and then late night “cena”with Caesar’s amazing niece and her partner in the city of Ortona, an important defensive port for Allied supply route during WWII. The Air BB here is a newly restored apartment with a big terrazzo and lots of room. Feels good to spread out and extra nice to have a washing machine since we are pretty much out of clothes now. We have an extra bedroom and bath here too, so if you’re so inclined, c ome join us!

Day Four: Travel Day. Leaving Naples and headed to Puglia, specifically a small sea town called Giovinazzo. Itinerary is fluid here and the intention is to spend at least one day doing nothing. We are staying in an unusual place, the old Ducale Palazzo, that was built upon a Roman building. The apartment we are in was constructed during Roman times and rehabilitated to a wonderful modern space overlooking the sea. I wonder what weird dreams we will have here.

Yeah, the US is a big country but most people live on the coasts. I wonder why my grandfather didn't go to the other one. The one that is funky, where the weather is always pleasant and the people better looking. Too tired maybe after the long trek across the Atlantic or perhaps living on the East Coast allowed him a glimpse of home or at least a glance at the horizon that led the way back to the Adriatic Sea. Which makes me wonder why he ever left the place at all. That place more lovely than even California.