Thanks to Amazon Italy, friends who brought some last minute items over from Amazon US and limited but fun shopping everything Jim lost with the luggage has been replaced – in some form. Some of it will not return home with us, though. Emergency rations. It has actually been a fun adventure, resulting in some new looks. Take this one, for example. Comments range from “definite keeper”, “looks really Italian” to “classic look for a 50’s movie”.

About Puglia (pronounced locally with a silent g, so Pull’lia). We are sorry it took us so long to get here. Fascinating place for its topography, history and culture.

• It gets a small fraction of the tourists other parts of Italy experience. One consequence is that only 10% speak English. That is the lowest % we have encountered anyplace in the world, and did make for some challenges.
• Great place for getting in shape. Many many steps and lots of walking up and down hills.
• Rich agricultural area, with lots of marl embedded in the soil for heat retention and natural drainage.
• Delightful slow pace of life
• Described by one person as “Italy with Greek parents”. The architecture ranges from baroque to very unique with white buildings.
• Home of the oldest related human remains in the world. In Ostuni they discovered the remains of a 19 year old pregnant girl and her baby still in the womb at full term. Dates back to 24,000 B.C. She was from royalty, as evidenced by shell necklaces and other adornments.

The rich soil contributes to wonderful food. Wine, tomatoes, basil, mozzarella (which they do not call cheese) and many other things. Even an average meal here is superb. As one of our experiences we witnessed making mozzarella. It involves extensive working the material in 160 degree water with bare hands and arms. Not for the faint of heart, yet so good when made with their milk and truly fresh. We are spoiled now for sure.

Our next postcard will feature the caves of Matera, located between Puglia and Positano.