Puglia, Italy

 

Apulia presents itself to its visitors like a fertile Garden of Eden. Fruits, vegetables and nuts are full-bodied and colorful. Likable and quirky people scurry through narrow and dark streets to have an espresso after closing time.

Uninhabited areas have an ocher glow after sundown. Life pulsates while bargaining at the fish market in Bari and the old women make the Apulian specialty Orecchiete – ear noodles – behind their curtains late at night.

Pastel colored boats with the unique touch of crumbling shutters cavort in the harbor. It is easy to get to know people in southern Italy – provided that you speak a few words of the melodic national language. The medieval streets of Bari are nothing short of Venice’s mysticism. The chime of the steeple clock makes you shiver pleasantly while you contemplate life 100 years ago in the pale lantern light.

Romantics and bon vivants alike are charmed and feel as if they are under some secret spell. In the meantime, you can also stroll through the Old Town late at night without being robbed or being surprised by the Mafia in a disagreeable way. A keen police force makes sure of firm order. Courageous hearts will certainly find their counterpart here.

picture source: © Schneider / pixelio.de

 

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