Kevnjan's big adventure.

Mon.20th. Feb. Went into town this morning to see the castle and the cathedral. The castle doesn't open on Mondays!! Saw the cathedral, (which wasn't open on Sunday!!), it's fascinating, a mosaic floor, 17th. century frescos on the walls and a magnificent ceiling. In the 11th. century the Turks raided the town and killed thousands of people, the bones of the martyrs are on display in two enormous glass cases in a chapel. Bizarre, and touching. Quite a display, the whole building made a lasting impression. After seeing the catacombs in Palermo it gives you an odd feeling about the Italian attitude to the dead. We had planned to visit Santa Cesarea Terme today and to our annoyance the road was closed. We followed the diversion signs and as usual they petered out leaving us to find our way through the narrow streets of a small town. Gave up and headed north. Very disappointing. We are now parked up for the night on a car park, overlooking the sea at Sta. Andrea, about 20 miles north of Otranto. The rain, which we didn't get yesterday, we've had today with interest. Knew I shouldn't have washed the van. Skyped Pete, Karel and Mum in Australia this morning and Geert and Maria in Holland this evening. Very sociable day. Lecce tomorrow.