When we first arrived in Lecce on that cool and rainy day a month ago yesterday, (if you can believe that), we were met at one of the city landmarks, Porto Napoli, by the friendly face of the man who is acting as our landlord, Gianfranco Miglietta. He is a real estate agent, but has helped us with many things and is currently helping us look for a more permanent apartment. In the process, he has also become a friend. He is typical of the Italians we have met here: warm, friendly and sincere about helping.
The other day, as we were looking for a place to live, he asked if we would like to go with him the next day to one of the nicer beach towns on the Ionian (west) side of the Salento peninsula, Porto Cesareo. He had some business with friends, but he could us let spend the day at a villa he rents out that is currently vacant and only steps from the beach. We jumped at the chance.
After a short drive full of conversation with him practicing his English, Holly practicing her Italian and me listening in and getting my two cents in from time to time, we arrived in a lovely port town and of course had a cup of great coffee, the best in Porto Cesareo according to Gianfranco. He then dropped us off at a lovely villa only steps from the beach. The day was a little too cool to swim, but we made the most of what there was. We took a walk along the beach (saw a woman with high heels walking in the sand, gotta love this place), waded in the clear, cool water and had a tasty lunch at a restaurant that was nearly on the beach We then returned to the villa to watch the windsurfers and take a short nap in the shade of the backyard before returning to Lecce. It was a day to remember.
Sounds like heaven.
It was definitely close.
That sounds amazing! Great to have Italian friends now! When Jerry and I were in Brazil, we made friends with a local restaurant owner who took us to lots of places. Meeting local friends is the best way to tour!
Love you!
Was the apartment anything you would consider? You had me at “steps to the beach”.
Well, it is a nice place, but during the high season it rents for 900 euros a week. That is a little rich for our blood. There are apartments here in Lecce (granted not that big nor steps from the beach) that rent for around 500 to 800 euros per month and that is more our price range. Our day there was just a gift from Gianfranco, not a place we could afford full time.