We had scheduled our annual trip to Tremiti for Saturday. However, with grey skies in the forecast, we decided to make a swap; we toured the islands on Friday and held classes the following day. It was well worth it, having been able to spend a beautiful sunny day together and enjoy this little area of Italy.
To get to the Tremiti islands, we first traveled an hour south to Termoli where we caught our ferry.
Upon arrival on San Domino, we took a small boat to the island of San Nicola, where we climbed up to the Abbey of Santa Maria a Mare, founded in the 9th century by Benedictine monks.
Next, we took a leisurely boat tour around the islands, stopping in some of their caves, and eventually dropped anchor for a quick dip in the Adriatic.
In the afternoon, our students were able to explore more of San Domino to enjoy its beaches and hidden coves before heading back to the mainland.
We arrived back in Lanciano in time for the festival of Sant’Egidio. On this day, vendors set up in the main piazza and corso in town selling little ceramic bells. It’s customary to move from table to table, testing the ring of the bells, until you find the perfect tone for someone you love or care for. People come in the thousands to participate in the festival, one of many in the Feste di Settembre that run until the end of the month.
