Alberobello
We now head south from the Pulgia region into the Basilicata region. Few tourists get this far south, but we boldly travel on! We take a lunch break in the picturesque city of Alberobello. The city is famous for its cone shaped dwellings, called trulli houses. The real treat of this city was that Heidi had arranged for a wine tasting and lunch of local food. Everything was fabulous! The mozzarella cheese and focaccia bread was to die for! The store gave each of us a bag to wear around our neck to hold our wine glass while we enjoyed the buffet.
Our hotel for the next two nights is Lacanda di San Marino and it is the most unusual hotel of our stay. Each room was once a family's house. These caves have all the modern amenities, but still give you the feel of sleeping in a cave! The hotel even has an awesome pool in a cave and as soon as the Italian inspectors get there people can start to use it!
I don't really have words to describe Matera; you just have to see it. The city is so unique. During the afternoon we have a brief, but heavy rain storm. Andy and I take this opportunity to sit in front of our open door to enjoy a bottle of prosecco from Vieste and enjoy the beautiful view. For some added ambience we can a hear someone playing a baritone to the theme of "Gladiator."
Thankfully the rain stops so our group can get together for the happy hour Heidi has planned. Each couple brings a drink and Heidi provided the snacks. We all enjoy getting to know each other better along with a little Italian wine! |
 Matera
When we first booked this trip I had never heard of Matera and by the time we left I couldn't wait to see this city. Pictures don't do it justice. Heidi had the bus stop across the ravine from the city for our first look at this incredible city. The old part of town is called the Sassi, which means stones. The homes of the Sassi are really caves and a family of 10 and their animals would all live in one small cave dwelling. The Italian government forcibly located the citizens of the Sassi in the 1950s to the newly built modern city. With the help of the government people are renovating and moving back into the Sassi.
 |
|
Memorable Meals: Assorted local wines, cheeses, bread, and olives at Tholos Winebar in Alberobello Pasta with puree fava beans and peppers, 7 different cheeses, 5 kinds of salami and prosciutto at La Latteri
 |
||
|
