While Matt stayed home to cram for his upcoming work test, the kids and I left him alone for the weekend.  We drove about 4 hours down to the heel of Italy’s boot to a region called Puglia.  We stayed on the west coast this time, on the Ionian Sea.  We stayed in a really neat little house on a gorgeous piece of land, decked out with lights and a pool and hammocks and outdoor showers and solar panels and an outdoor grill…. it was really nice.  And in walking distance from the sea.  We drove up and down the coast to visit a few other nice sea spots throughout the weekend, so just relaxed at the beach in between playing in the pool, eating at home, looking at the stars, and playing board games.  The sea was so clear; the clearest water I have seen yet.  I love clear, calm sea more than just about anything in life.