TuscanyMaremmaElba Day 10

Today, I included the harbor town of Portoferraio in the program. We took the bus, which took about half an hour for a distance of nearly 10 km—due to the many curves😀.

Upon arrival, I first had an Americano at the harbor to recharge, as seeing the forts high up filled me with foreboding. 😳 And just as I feared, it was a constant uphill climb, both up the hill and stairs if I wanted to see everything I had planned. So lentamente, lentamente, one foot after the other with pauses to catch my breath in between.🤣 It worked out.

Unfortunately, it was warm but a bit overcast; still, the view from above of the harbor was wonderful. I found Napoleon's house somewhat disappointing; first, it was closed, and second, it was rather unremarkable. Later I was able to peek into a small garden up there, but apparently, he didn’t have much money to spare back then 🫣. Right below the house were two hidden alleys that were hard to see into. Today, it looks like a pretty impoverished neighborhood; back then, they might have been the servants’ quarters.

We continued through the Italian neighborhoods that were not devoted to tourism, and they were very authentic and interesting. Sudden murals and beautiful views were more exciting than the Centro filled with many cafés and bars—although that has its charms too, and the path along the boat harbor is certainly relaxing.

Back with the bus, off to the beach and let the soul unwind. That’s how I ended the day, and who knows what tomorrow will bring.

Insight of the day: what's not so nice tends to be hidden!