Day 8
Exploring Trieste
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Buongiorno,
We awoke feeling very much better. Our colds have almost gone. We should be back to full health by the weekend.
The first order for the day was to find a supermarket for breakfast supplies. Cereal with chopped fresh fruit some milk and some yoghurt. It’s not quite a Weetbix soaked in yoghurt breakfast, but we make do.
Then we were off to explore Trieste.
We did not know quite what to expect before we came to Trieste, but it has exceeded our expectations. Trieste is a stunningly beautiful city, with a long and colourful history. The Romans built a city here (of course the Romans did!). The Venetians had it for a while, as did the Habsburg monarchy up until the end of World War I when it was annexed by Italy. After World War II it was occupied by Yugoslavia for a few days, then the Americans and the British. In 1954 Trieste became part of Italy again. Today there is a movement within the citizenry to become an independent city.
All of this is reflected in the architecture and culture of Trieste, particularly the Austrian influence in the buildings.
Trade of goods has long made up the economy of Trieste with its deep water port. And it is that trade that has made Trieste such a desirable city for empires to covet.
The Bora Wind is a strong feature of Trieste. It blows from the Northeast, collecting heat from the land as it blows down from hills. The Bora races through the narrow streets and alleys of Trieste, creating mischief with the umbrellas and napkins of outdoor diners as it twists and turns, before finally bursting out across the harbour and out to sea.
We struggled against the Bora as we walked the sights of Trieste.
We had downloaded an App that took us on a walking tour of Trieste. But not long after walking over the canal we Grandma got distracted by the clothes shops. Grandma wanted some light dresses to wear, especially in the heat of the evenings. While Grandma shopped, Koro and Buzzy Bee watched the traffic.
In these narrow streets scooters and motorcycles rule. Big cars like Mercedes and Audis struggle to squeeze between the parked cars and around intersections. To be fair there is often a car parked on the intersection! Even some of the big bikes such as BMW touring bikes struggled. But ride scooters, they just go anywhere! And everyone rides them.
Little old ladies ride their scooters to do their grocery shopping. And boy, do these old Nana’s have some skills. Cobbled, patchy streets are no problem to them. Inside, outside, they carve up the cars, three up drag race down the street then lean it all the way over as they take the inside line through the next bend.
Buzzy Bee thought it looked like great fun and was keen to have a go as well. He decided if he lived in Trieste, he would go for a classic Vespa.
We found a tourist trap to take too many Euros in exchange for some stale bread and a miniature lemonade.
After lunch we went in search of the local beach. We should of taken a picture of it. We had to walk miles around the waterfront in the blazing sun and relentless Bora wind to find it. And when we get there it is behind a huge concrete wall. It was €5 each to get in (reasonably cheap). BUT, it was a segregated beach - boys on one side, girls on the other side, no mixing!
“Bugger that”, said Grandma, “I want to be able to check out all the hot boys”. So we didn’t go in. It actually took Grandma a while to get over the fact it was a segregated beach, she just couldn’t get over that notion.
It was time to find somewhere for a beer before having a siesta
We enjoyed just walking around Trieste today. We’re looking forward to a beach tomorrow.
Love to you all from Grandma & Koro & Buzzy Bee.
