We are up and out early, because our host in Corato has said we can arrive at 1, so we want to be sure to be on time as she is making an exception for us.  Sadly though, we get stuck in traffic hell.  The construction on the autostrada is never ending – going down to 1 lane constantly. Just when we get up to speed on 2 lanes, here comes another lane shut down.  So frustrating.   The scenery is gorgeous though – the snowcapped mountains are never far from our vision leading to way too many pictures being taken out the windows of the car.

We had chosen a midway point to stop for explorations before we knew we could get into the house early, but we still needed to stop for another picnic lunch, so we continued on to Ortona and the Castel Aragonnes as planned.  Built in 1492 as a defensive castle unto the 17thC when it was converted into a noble residence, the castle still stands today on the coast of Ortona.  In 1943, the castle being used as a gunpowder store, was bombed and blew up, then in 1946 a landslide destroyed almost half of the castle.  Today, only the perimeter wall and towers remain, but it is still a fun place to visit – even for a quick visit as it were.

Photos taken, we return to the car, choosing to picnic there, inside the car, so we can arrive at the cottage on schedule.  And arrive on time, we do, after driving through the changing landscape of vineyards and olive groves and the narrow little lane that will become our street for the next 2 days. 

Maria meets us at the gate, and in Italian, shows us around the great little cottage situated in the middle of the olive gardens.  It is cute and basic, with a fantastic corner fireplace, and even better courtyard patio for meals and evening drinks.  The downside?  No internet.  Oops.  Oh well, we just have to conserve our high speed data these next 2 days – it will be like sea days on land for us.

After getting settled, we make our way through the confusing little streets to Lidl for supplies. Deciding to eat in these next 2 nights (no way we are driving out that narrow lane to get food at night), we pick up way too much food – as always.  Once our goodies are organized, we decide to find someplace to walk, which ends up being the seafront promenade in Bisceglie, a seaside town 20 minutes away. 

Totally awesome diversion!  The promenade is huge, winding along the coast for miles.  We walk toward the marina, enjoying the fresh air, sea breeze and the great street art murals and sculptures dotting the walk.

Refreshed and exercised, we return to our little cottage to relax on the patio with afternoon beverages, and then later our wonderful dinner of prosciutto filled agnolotti with red sauce.  A perfect end to our travel day.