This may look like the beach to some... But these are the streets that greeted me and my suitcase today in Bergamo, Italy.
Needing, no actually wanting, to be more than a pilgrim on the way, I packed a suitcase instead of my backpack for the next adventures. Meaning at least one hand was always occupied during travel gave me pause for my choice. Little did I know I'd be pulling the damn thing over pebbled and cobbled roads until I found the luggage lockers AND brought back the correct change! But once unhindered I ventured the historic upper town of Bergamo. The Venetians had walled the city and it had never been conquered during its long history. The walls and towers stand intact as well as the numerous churches and government buildings, villas and palaces. Standing at the top of the civic tower, the Il Campanone, the view was astounding. Not just the old city, but the "lower" city was seen 360.
I was impressed with the "little" sister of Milan. Happy that I had not ventured farther during my short intermission between plane trips.
Then back to the airport for my flight to Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean. Lots of clouds and turbulence on this flight, but just before landing I did get some great views.
Checking in at the Tourist Information, I received my bus information and was told to head to the city center of Alghero for my B&B. I got off the bus, just after seeing a sign for Alghero city. I thought I was in the center, but when I turned on my google directions it showed an hour and a half walk still ahead. Or I could wait for another bus and ride 34 minutes. I decided to walk on a bit. Looking at my phone trying to figure out exactly where I was heading, I looked up just in time to see the small sign for Aloe B&B. Right here, just steps from where I "erroneously" exited the bus. Hmmmm... How did that happen? Both the TI and my google directions showed the B&B in town center. A guardian angel is definitely looking over me!
After checking in and getting lots of information from the very lovely hostess, I decided to explore my new location. At first I was disappointed by the blocks of apartment houses and the trash littered streets. But as I approached Lido, the beach walkway, I saw the Mediterranean before me and the sea never disappoints.
Walking along the beach and passing the small harbor filled with boats of varying sizes (although no large yachts here!), the walled city looks impressive. The walls and defense towers are from the 16th century and defend the city from sea attacks.
After wandering around the interior and then the harbor side of the town, I happened by a small trattoria, Cavour, and poked my head in. The man who greeted me was so welcoming and though they would not open for another thirty minutes, he took my name for reservation. When I returned I was given a seat by the kitchen and lots of personal attention by the chef, the man who had greeted me. I ordered the local red wine and the Sardininan menu of the day. Three courses of local cuisine, delicious in its variety, and cooked to loving perfection. I sat next to an Irish couple, the husband, a butcher, was in lively discussion with the chef over the roast pork, also on my menu. The chef brought out the suckling pig to show us and tell us how it had to cook just a bit more before he could serve us. It smelled absolutely devine, and when finally tasted, it melted in your mouth. After congratulating the chef on a meal well done he invited us for grappa. Eeii! Grappa is wine gone very wrong, in my opinion! I was so happy when he offered the limoncello instead! We toasted and chatted a bit more and I was surprised at how quickly the evening went. A long walk "home" along the sea was just what my body needed to help digest my big meal!
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