This is a little gem – lovely buildings, loads of history, and still thriving. It was packed with people on market day and we seemed to be the only tourists. Much to Helen’s delight there was a town walk to follow round all the sights.

First was the hot spring that brought the Romans here – curative water at 74.5C from out of a cupola dating from 1860.

Locals were filling plastic bottles with it to take home. Next was the remains of the Roman theatre, overlooking the spring and baths.

There was a castle with great views, loads of winding alleyways, beautiful mediaeval buildings, all kinds of shops, and some great places to eat. We had huge plates of pasta, meat and salad to make up for a slightly thin food day yesterday!

There was also the remains of a Roman aqueduct on the edge of town.

Best of all, Helen was mistaken this time for Swedish! Clearly because she is now so blond from the sun and slim from the cycling – and a step up from Dutch, she says.

Having to cycle back up the steep hill out of town was well worth it, given that we have this lovely villa to relax in for what is left of the day.

Helen’s tracks of the day:
Yesterday: Hold On by Alabama Shakes.
I am missing a few things/people from home now as I knew I would and one of the things I enjoy on usual days off at home is 6 music’s breakfast show. I managed to set up a podcast yesterday but it is not the same, anyway the track was one of Mr Keaveny’s favourites from 2012.
Today: in celebration of my new friend from Sweden who thought I was a compatriot
Wolf by First Aid Kit, who are Swedish.