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Post by frenchmystiquetour on Dec 6, 2012 1:06:27 GMT
I too think it's earthquake protection. I can't see any other reason for it but I've never researched it either.
bjd - I never thought about whether the houses might have courtyards so I don't know. I guess some of them probably do but not all of them.
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Post by htmb on Dec 6, 2012 23:33:33 GMT
I've enjoyed reading through this wonderful report again, wishing I was there exploring on a bike!
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Post by frenchmystiquetour on Dec 6, 2012 23:47:11 GMT
Thanks htmb. It really is a beautiful area and attracts no English speaking tourists. I highly recommend it as a great off the beaten path destination.
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Post by htmb on Dec 7, 2012 0:03:51 GMT
I'd better learn some Italian first. ;D
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Post by lagatta on Dec 7, 2012 2:00:57 GMT
I speak Italian fluently, but don't drive and my arthritic legs aren't up to climbing all those steep inclines on a shitty bicycle. Suppose some of the places on or near the coast would make pleasant destinations (I would like to take a folding bicycle there - I cycle a lot for utilitarian and gentle exercise purposes, including counteracting the terror of one horrible arthritic episode several winters back when I could scarcely walk. Hardly seems real now, and no, I hadn't been sedentary for months or put on 20kg/50lb. It still weighs as a terror.
I've also seen hostels and what one might call "structures" for associations organising affordable tourism in that area; should probably look further into it.
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Post by frenchmystiquetour on Dec 7, 2012 8:29:43 GMT
There's one main road that runs along the coast in that area and although it's flat it's a very busy road. I was there in March so traffic wasn't too bad and I can handle traffic. But in high season that road wouldn't be much fun. It also gets crowded daily during morning and evening commuter hours.
Not a whole lot of flat cycling in that area. You might find some flat roads in a few towns but eventually a mountain gets between you and the next town. Although at least with a folding bike you can take it on a train and move up and down the coast.
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Post by nycgirl on Dec 9, 2012 17:19:03 GMT
Terrific report! I'd love to wander around in those charming villages.
Your sister has a lovely home. That patio with the surrounding scenery is a great place for a dinner party, and I love the brick oven.
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Post by tod2 on Dec 9, 2012 17:33:43 GMT
Fabulous report FMT! Even though I have only ever been to the Italian Riviera once in 1980, the surroundings, buildings and vegetation rings a bell. I distinctly remember having to drive our very tiny camper van through some narrow mole-like tunnels. I was terrified as they were made for one direction traffic at a time and no place to U turn inside. Even being young and adventurous we found the campsites dismal and ended up living on the seafront of a few towns ....(the name Coggoletto or something similar is in my head), before reaching the French Riviera. I loved seeing the unfinished then the finished article around the house! You are quite the stone mason I have to say This is a photo-essay that needs much more than one look. I shall be back several times. Thanks!
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Post by frenchmystiquetour on Dec 9, 2012 20:24:57 GMT
Thanks nycgirl and tod2!
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