June 6 travelling north - Sartène, Propriano and Ajaccio

 

Poor pic but here is today's journey

Today we were back on the bus winding north through delightful countryside. Tucked in amongst the hills, we came to the medieval town of Sartene.  Here were left to wander as we chose which was delightful.

Glorious rugged countryside

The city square was buzzing with people and food stalls

This stall was piled high with cheeses and meats. Not far away an old man was selling roasted potatoes

Dark clouds were building over our careless wanderings

Intriguing jalousie windows overlooking the ravines

Black clouds were gathering on the horizon and just as we were heading off for a walk round the old church (another one!) the sky opened up and down it poured. Sadly our walk was aborted but we still had to get back for our rendezvous with the bus - in the rain! We managed to duck between awnings in some places but we got a bit wet. Back at our meeting point was our faithful driver Paolo waiting for us.

Pasquale Paoli

The towns we have visited in Corsica all had statues of Pasquale Paoli. He was a Corsican patriot, statesman, and military leader who was at the forefront of resistance movements against the Genoese and later French rule over the island. The Corsicans call him 'Babbu di a Patria', Father of the Nation - he wrote the Constitution. Ultimately the French triumphed and Corsica officially became a French province in 1789. Nevertheless the people still consider themselves Corsicans first and foremost.  Signage is in both French and Corsican.

Signage in both French and Corsica (underneath)

Our next stop was the port of Propriano where is was hot as hot. Left to our devices we found a quiet cafe away from the crowded tourist terrace-restaurants and ordered a Breton galette. We had no idea what a galette was until it arrived. It was really delicious - a huge pancake made with buckwheat flour and stuffed with ham, cheese and egg. (Note to self: try this at home).

Delicious Breton galette

Ajaccio  - a popular visiting spot for the big cruise ships

Not letting the grass grow under our feet - and very thankful to be back in an air-conditioned bus, we headed north over the hills to Ajaccio for our next two-night stay. Most places we stayed 2 nights some 3 which was very nice.