Up in the Hills

After romancing so much about Italian Hill towns we got our chance to cycle up to one for a few days. We went to a little township called Conservano and stayed in the hotel next to a castle.  Riding uphill was quite a effort even though it was only 36 kms it was hot.  The back roads are so quiet we kept disturbing sleeping lizards who scuttled out of the way as we trolled along.  Every village has fountains to drink from (water is plentifull and safe) - every fountain is a piece of art

 

In every village is a square where the old me sit and chat.  Of course Gillie stops to join in and ask questions. They even pose for her!

It is really noticeable how many people are employed by the state.  There are heaps of men in uniforms - police, army, carbonarni and priests.

Churches are everywhere in every village and people are always popping in and out.  It is an interesting cultural weave.

After a night in Conservano we headed on for higher up the hill to Alberobello which is very hobbitish with cone roofed "Trulli" everywhere.  The main church above is a classic example.  After doing our first 100kms we were ready for a rest and spent the next day chilling out in our own little Trulli.

Ours is the 46th on the right just to the left of the other one (yeah there are heaps). The whole thing is made of blocks of stone with arched ceilings inside and stone roof tiles.
We got to shake hands with a local priest "Father Pedro"

We cruised around the village all day yesterday and drank local wine and ate pizzas.  (the bike plan was to do a 50km ride to other villages).
Today and tomorrow we are staying in an amazing old farm looking out to the Adriatic its called Masseria Salamina and has been in the same family for four hundred years (they are our hosts).

It was a 40km ride today and we got here in record time.  We are planning for a swim.  Our bedroom is right off this little enclosed courtyard.
 I have been reading a book called the Thread of Grace - about the Italians surviving the occupation by the Nazis towards the end of the second world war.  Shocking story but the courage and gentleness of the people comes through.  Seeing all this history makes me realise how the story just goes on and on and no one knows the next chapter.  All the more reason to enjoy the world now.