Brindisi Bound

Our last glorious Otranto Sunrise

We started our last morning in Otranto with another sunrise. On the way down to the sea we came across a snail edging along the sidewalk. Cecil picked him up and took him down to the water with us.  Spiritually and symbolically  speaking, the snail symbolizes steady footing and stability. They carry their homes upon their backs which is symbolic of carrying our security in our hearts. Not only sure of foot snails are also symbols of slow and steady progress. Stability and success do not appear overnight.  Rather, success usually comes at a snail's pace. 
The snail shell symbolizes the perfection of nature’s creativity, which is also echoed in mathematical fractals (repeated patterns). The spiral shape of the snail shell is symbolic of the labyrinth. Interesting at this time in our lives. 

The orange tabby cat that lives here at the resort came down to the water with us that last morning as well. He's been our companion on a few of our early morning ventures.  I hope he finds others to accompany when we depart. 


On our way back to the apartment we came across another snail going the opposite direction.   Hmmmm.

One of the snails that we found on our morning walk to the beach. I am always curious as to the messages nature is sending to us through her many creatures.

We returned to the apartment to clean it up and get on our way, ensuring that we'd  allow more time to make our way to Brindisi and our next challenge, which was to find our way to the rental drop off and get our train to Rome.


Following the route laid out by the GPS, we made our way though and around lazy little towns in the hot, dry sometimes barren southeast corner of Italy. We arrived at Brindisi with plenty of time to kill, so we made our way to the Roman Archaeological museum, near the port. We didn't' realize that it was so close to closing for siesta, but they were good enough to let us in, and allow us the time that we wanted to look over the artifacts, many dating back to BC.  It was an amazing opportunity to explore our known histories beginning.

Finishing at the museum, we made our way to the train station and the Maggiore car rental, to drop of the little fiat 500.  We got our bearings and headed out to find a place to grab a bite to  eat.  We ended up at the only pizzeria that we could find open at that time of day. Not sure what some of the ingredients listed were, and both feeling too tired to be too adventurous, we settled on Hawaiian pizza...who'd have thought...in Italy! I am sure that the Italians just cringe when that is ordered, but I was longing for a taste from home.  It was only the third pizza we'd had here, but by far my favorite...with a lite covering of ham, fresh pineapple and a hint of curry. 


Upon finishing, we headed to drop the car of and begin the long wait at the train station, for our train to Rome that wasn't scheduled to leave until 17:13. Luckily there was no end to the people to watch around, as we put in the next couple of hours.  I will admit though, in the time we were waiting, we both found ourselves feeling vulnerable for the first time since our arrival (well, other than at the hands of the crazy cabby on the way to Maratea).  As we put in the hours waiting, there were a couple of fellows that seemed to be hanging around the station just watching for opportunity, rather than a connection or a person to pick up.  It was just our intuition, but we both felt our radar on high alert with them.  Luckily it wasn't a feeling we experienced again on our travels.  I was glad when the train finally arrived, and we headed off.