Day 393 – EU – Italy [Lesina to Termoli]

02/05/21

39km

  From Lesina (Italy) to Termoli (Italy)

Europe

Leaving Apulia to enter the Molise region… and hurray: restaurants are open again!

A windy morning run

What a sweet day! It started off not so good really. I got woken up at 5am by the wind, it was hurling and I feared it would be a very very windy day. As I left Lesina, the sky was blue, the air was warm and yes, there was a strong breeze. The direction kept changing from south to west throughout the run, it varied from being “just annoying” to being “right in my face” and truly burdensome.

Out of Puglia into Molise

I followed the SS16 (state road) today which was fairly empty as it is a Sunday. I noticed again every few 100 meters or so, prostitutes sitting by the side of the road, on little plastic chairs, waiting to be picked up. They were all wearing pink or bright red outfits. Which, funnily enough (as I am wearing pink) resulted in me having a “customer” slowing down to pick me up as I was on one of my breaks… Really?!!

Restaurant Al Borgo by Giovanna and Pino

And then something happened. I crossed from the Apulia region to the Molise region of Italy. On paper, it’s nothing. In reality though… Freedom! Molise is part of the “yellow regions” of Italy where bars and restaurants have reopened just a few days ago. As I contacted my hosts, Giovanna and Pino, to tell them of my arrival time, they asked me to pass by their restaurant to pick up the keys. I replied I sure would, but I would also sit down for my lunch! It was their second day being open, you could tell how incredibly happy they were and the food was delicious.

It is the first time in 6 months that I don’t have to pick my lunch off the shelf of a supermarket in a packaging I can eat right out of. It feels so good to sit down at a table, surrounded by other people. Enjoying a lunch that has been prepared just for you. And to feel life all around, everyone enjoying simply being outdoors. Giovanna and Pino’s restaurant specialises in fish. When was the last time I ate fish? Last summer? And to make things better they did not have beer. So I had to go to the next best thing, white wine! And it was a local one, which I really appreciated.

The view from Termoli’s historic centre…

All together, this is going to make the reminder of my italian trip so much better. Italy is a country of great culinary tradition. Last year (Blog Day 112 13th June 2020) I stopped by a hotel restaurant in Pontelongo. I had nothing to eat and the chef agreed to cook me a meal after taking interest in my journey. Piergiorgio Siviero, the Chef, has gotten his 1st Michelin Star this year. It is quite incredible that I remember his dish of pasta, nearly a year after, not only because I was hungry, but simply because it was so good. I am glad I have the opportunity to eat more homemade and succulent food from Italy.

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: