Trip Day 10 - Monopoli, Alberobello Trulli

Wednesday September 21

Still in the harbor of Monopoli we went with the buses to Alberobello today. During the drive we saw that the country site again looked different. We even saw some livestock.

We saw more of the drystone walls and were told that the government makes sure that when they need to be repaired they will be done in the traditional way. Between the olive trees and all the other vegetation we saw scattered trulli (plural, trullo = singular). Those are very different looking houses and that's what we are going to visit. 

The bus brought us to a large parking lot and shuttles were supposed to transport us closer but something had wrong with that. Vanessa took a vote to wait versus walking and walking won.

They truly are very special. The way they were built, originally so the roofs could be taken off to avoid to having to pay taxes. It is basically one room for the whole family. And, of course, no running water and no electricity much like the sassi we saw yesterday. 

OAT arranged for us to meet the man who renovated trulli. He is the grandson of the man who started the business. He would like to pass on his knowledge so this art will not die out. (yes, much like the lacemaking I am involved in).

We were able to visit this museum. As you can see, several trulli were connected.

I asked, no sleeping quarters upstairs, only storage, mainly food.

In our "free time" we opted to walk with Vanessa up to the church, an amazing building. Pretty much all churches are Roman Catholic.

I had received the message that one of our friends from church had died. She was 91 and had been a wonderful woman. At the time we had joined the church in 2008 she was very involved. My immediate thought had been to light a candle in the first church we would visit. To my great shock the offering candles were all "automatico". Well, today I got over it, dropped the coin and a light candle. There were also these cards of which I took one to give to her son Rick. As his mother he is a pillar of our church. RIP Lois!

When we went down the hill we took our time to look into the little shops and yes, I actually supported the local economy. I was very pleased to find some gifts which were actually useful and a tiny little nativity to add to my collection. The Holy Family of course is in front of a trullo. I hope I get it home without breaking. It is packed pretty well, that's why I don't want to unpack it to take a photo. Sorry. But Advent-time will be here fast enough.

When we passed this shop Vanessa popped out excitedly telling us that the owner was letting us go through his shop and up onto his terrace. So we did.

With these rolling pins you can cut the pasta to your desired size.

Did not buy any of this, the dried pasta can not possibly be as good as the homemade we had before (made with the thumb).

Suddenly James said "where is the pastry Vanessa talked about?". Well, we were too far so he gave up. But at that moment Vanessa was by our side and showed another place where they have these. We didn't even have to pay for it. 

Custard in the middle. His verdict: it was excellent but would be better at room temperature. I tried it too. Very nice. But then, what food here in Italy is not?

We were told to be at this meeting point at a certain time. Then we went to the shuttle which took us to the bus which was not there yet and we had to wait.

I had time to go to the bathroom because it would be quite a drive back. I had to buy something to get a token to use the restroom. It was a very long wait and I wondered whether I had to give up but the bus's timing was perfect.

I always look out of the window. Don't want to miss anything. But taking photos is not easy. Not a chance to take a photo of the beautiful looking trulli scattered in the country side. 

And coming over the mountain there was the sea. Lovely.

Lunch was late when we were back on our ship. Ha-ha, nobody, none of us, are ever hungry. The chef had gone to market and there was a range of local delicatessen but since ham and such is usually pork I have to pass. 

But even the buffet is not the same every time.And is it not our duty to try everything?

"Frittura Mista" Octopus, Sardines, Grilled and Deep-fried Calamari, Garlic Mayonnaise!

My plate:

The Artemis had started sailing again. The captain gave a talk that free dramamine was available on the front desk. Waves were getting high. Sasha (don't know his title, ship manager?) once again demonstrated the John Wayne walk. It doesn't look pretty but really is the best way when you need to go from A to B.

I walked a little on a blog in our room. Yes, it did get bumpy. But I liked the rainbow in the spray.

Later in the lounge we had fun. Paul is showing us how he feels.

At 4:30 pm we were offered to come to the lounge and listen to a talk about Charles V by Michael, another fellow traveler. He belongs to a prestiges literary club for many years. He shared his paper for a presentation he has to give at the end of this month. We both (and many others) thoroughly enjoyed it. It will be published at this club's website later and we will receive the link. 

Dessert after dinner was another piece of art (and delicious) again.

The entertainment after dinner was simple but so much fun: the Italian version of bingo. 

I should have taken a photo of the empty card. There are three rows and 5 numbers in each row. We had beans to cover the called numbers. Numbers are called out like at bingo. When somebody has a full row he/she has to call out and it will be checked. Winner!

But everybody is supposed to leave the beans on. Calling out numbers continues. When somebody has three full rows ... call out... but everybody leaves the beans on.

It continues for everything being covered. Three lucky winners. I was one number short. Never mind.

 It's late. Better go to bed. Night, night.