Southern Hospitality; Discovering the Unique and Beautiful Culture of Puglia

The first story I wrote on Italy; San Pietro Vernotico

tara-laureen — Mon, 30 May 2016 23:56:00 GMT

Waking up in Italy

Its like regaining consciousness. After lifelessly existing, without even being aware of this state of being, I'm waking up, and guess what...I'm in Italy!

Now in my sixth month away from "home", I am beginning to understand why it feels like I only just got here. Now I notice the small details of everyday life in San Pietro Vernotico. Every morning little old Italian men ride their bikes around town and gather at the little cafes displaying a slow and leisurely way of life. Everything happens in the morning, the sun shines brighter.

There is so much life in this town that I had no idea existed, sleeping until noon everyday will do that to you. I had been waking up in time for siesta. The hustle and bustle of morning life contrasts with the quiet, empty streets come one o'clock. Shops close as everyone heads home for lunch, the main meal of the day.

I spent a lot of time these last few months repeating in my head "you are in Italy, you are in Europe, look at the buildings, look at the streets", in an attempt to make myself realize how awesome it is to be here, to be living a dream that I have had for so long; missing a Winnipeg winter! (Although from what I hear it has been a mild winter and I picked the wrong winter to miss. And for those of you who aren't familiar with my hometown, Winnipeg winters are brutally long and unimaginably cold with temperatures anywhere from -30 to -50 at times). Truthfully, I had always dreamed of living in Europe, and I couldn't understand why I wasn't taking it all in, why I didn't feel amazing. It was as though I was missing the whole trip, sleepwalking through my life.

If anything, I am most passionate about travelling. I have always wanted the whole world, and to experience life outside of Winnipeg. When I was 22 I traveled to Paris, and wandered the streets of my most beloved city for two weeks. I was in love, I felt alive. It was beautiful and romantic. I felt a sense of connection, an energy that pulsed through the city, and I was over the moon to have it all to myself. I enjoy travelling alone, to me there is nothing better than getting lost in the world.

I came here to get lost, but not in the same way. I was hiding out. Now that I'm waking up I'm finding that this small town in the very south of Italy's heel has a lot to offer. The people are warm and caring. They are eager to know my story; where am I from and how did I end up in their little town?! They are inviting and so hospitable, doing all they can to make you feel welcome in their homes. This is typical of the culture in the south, this is the culture of Salento. This is an area rich in history and tradition. Puglia offers it's own specific cuisine, different than what would traditionally be thought of when you think "Italian food", and its own specific mentality.

These are the topics this journal will highlight; food, culture and history of Puglia. What better way to start than by giving a quick shout out to the lovely, tiny town of San Pietro Vernotico, a place that I've called home for the last 9 months! **This story was originally written and posted on my personal blog https://pursuitofmytruth.org/ I have edited it for the purspose of re-posting it here.

Photos: Profile

tara-laureen — Mon, 30 May 2016 23:48:00 GMT

Photos: San Pitero Vernotico

tara-laureen — Mon, 30 May 2016 16:10:00 GMT

The White City; The Beauty of Ostuni

tara-laureen — Mon, 30 May 2016 05:40:00 GMT

Located atop a hill in the south of Italy, Ostuni, known as “The White City” is a gem of the Brindisi province. The perfect spot for an afternoon of wandering through tiny winding streets and discovering hidden nooks and crannies typical of historical centers of the many towns throughout Puglia.

The white washed buildings and streets are stunning as they contrast with the blooming flowers of spring and summer. Bright pinks and reds adorn the little shops and cafes lining the streets of the historical center.

The shops of the historical center are mostly artisanal, featuring local handmade leathers and ceramics typical of Puglia.

I’ve visited Ostuni twice now, being that it’s not far away from the town of San Pietro Vernotico where I live. Getting lost in the cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings all I could think was ‘this is Italy! I’m really here!’

Ostuni is known for its lookout points as you can see the Adriatic sea not far off in the distance. I would recommend planning your visit for a sunny day if possible, it’s why I had to go back, I was dying for the view. Sunny or cloudy, its hard to tell where the sea ends and the sky begins, which is mesmerizing.

My second trip was on a Sunday afternoon, perfect timing as the historical center was empty. Ostuni is a tourist destination, more so in the summer, but in the off season I would say its hardly crowded. There was plenty of time to wander at our own leisure and stop for an Aperotivo (cocktail). But I have also seen the streets of Ostuni overflowing with people. As day fades to night Ostuni comes alive with live music in the streets, and people fill the restaurants and bars lining the piazza.

Historical and cultural significance; I’m a history nerd so I tend to seek out destinations teeming with history, which arguably is all of Italy! In this regard Ostuni does not disappoint. As if the historical center itself, with all of its tiny buildings and streets and cobblestone aren’t enough…

The Cathedral Ostuni; Construction began around 1437-70 under Nicola Arpone, and was completed around 1520. The Cathedral is of Gothic style and considered the most famed landmark of the city.
The Ostuni column and statue of Sant’Oronzo; The patron Saint of Ostuni is said to have taken refuge from Nero’s hired assassins in a cave at the foot of the hill on which the city was built.
Scoppa Arch; Originally made of wood, this Baroque styled arch was rebuilt in stone in 1750.