Puglia!

A travel day. Left windy Firenze – first a bus to the train station, then a train to Pisa. Loved looking at the countryside. Then we took the Pisamover to the airport, where we boarded Ryan Air (yes, my checked bag was under weight!) to Bari. It was POURING rain when we landed; we rented a cute little red Fiat Panda and drove through many puddles to the freeway. First time I have driven a stick shift in 40 years! On to our first destination – four nights in Polignano a Mare. Still raining, but got settled in and cleaned up before we went into town intending to eat at a recommended restaurant that alas, was closed until February 1st.

We wandered around in the rain, not pouring, but with an umbrella that broke when we opened it! The streets were pretty deserted, in part due to the rain I imagine and in part as it is not tourist season in this beach town. We stumbled upon Centro Formaggi where a very nice woman (sadly we did not get her name but she invited us back on Monday) had a great conversation with my daughter about the cheeses and gave us tastes of several of them – YUM! Of course, I bought some Gorgonzola and local Pugliese Pecorino – we asked for some small slices and she cut off huge hunks! along with two kinds of taralli (also local) and a couple of oranges for our breakfast. All for 13 euros that would have cost at least double that in the U.S.

But the best part was the entire exchange even though I wish I could have spoke with her directly. And as soon as she heard that I am part Pugliese, that my grandfather was born nearby, she perked up even more, surprised and interested. Looking forward to more of the same as we journey on. Tomorrow sunshine and a road trip, somewhere!