Mediterranean Spring from the Seabourn Spirit

Today Brindisi and an organized tour to Alberobello, a UNESCO world heritage site so unique and pretty that the uncharasteristic cold, windy and rainy day did not dim our excitement. The hour ride to Alberobello was of itself unique; Puglia is the largest producer of olive oil region in Italy and there are fifty million olive trees in the Brindisi area. The sight is just incredible. The extreme fertility of this region is exploited to its maximum and alongside the olive trees grow artichokes and many other crops. Nearing Alberobello, cherry and almond trees frame the road as it winds through the rolling hills.

Alberobello is home to over fourteen hundred trulli. A trullo (singular for trulli) is a small stone dwelling with a cone-shaped roof. No mortar is used to hold the stones together and several trulli are often joined together to form a larger house. An entire town of these perched on a hilltop is a sight never to be forgotten, gnomes roaming around would not be entirely out of place here but regular size, warm and welcoming people inhabit this town instead.

Back in Brindisi we walked around town for a couple of hours admiring the beautiful -if run down- architecture. This town, along with so many others in Europe, has suffered and continues to suffer the effects of an ailing economy. My mind's eye transforms the crumbling facades and rusting balconies into the beauties they once were, the few beautifully restored buildings give hope of an eventual revival.

After a lovely dinner hosted by lovely Verla, a delightful art historian turned destination lecturer, it was time to "Rock the Boat". A great party in which the various entertainers perform songs from the 50s to the present and where the dancing is wild.

Pics will follow when internet connection is faster.