Slept like a log! Although I did hear the bells at three. The deep bell marks the hours and the higher pitched bell the ¼ past, ½ past, and ¼ to. Dressed and made our way downstairs for breakfast about 9.30 - lots of sweet things including another tart for brekkie and lovely albiccoca marmelata (apricot jam); sharp and tangy. Cappucini for the lot then up to pack. This didn’t take long, of course, as we had only taken inside one back-pack between us. Went to pay the bill, trying to guesstimate the cost of wine and dinner from the previous evening. Total cost – accommodation for three, breakfast, dinner, wine tasting and nibbles? €70!!! Wouldn’t take more. We were their first international visitors. We will spread the word! http://www.aldihost.it/
Got underway for Alberobello with the GPS showing about 3 ½ hours on the clock; all went well - even being stopped at a random Polizia road stop – UNTIL – the GPS got seriously confused again. A little scary but, after a short rest and a reset of the target, she came right. Thank goodness.
What a changing landscape we saw, especially today. From Melizzano and nearby area with tightly packed grapevines and rolling hills, steep mountain sides and green green, green, to red dirt - FLAT, cactus and olive grove scattered land.
A roadside ‘snack bar’ stop for lunch let us have a leg stretch and toilet break. We arrived in Alberobello about 2.15 p.m. to discover that the office for our trulli rental company didn’t open until 3 p.m.! Went for a wander then decamped to a cafe for a rest and a toilet.
Once the office opened and we were suitably briefed by one of the staff who drove with us to show us where to park the car and then helped with the bags to our trullo. A really sweet small space about five metres in diameter with two curtained sleeping alcoves, a kitchenette, bathroom with shower toilet and bidet. Dining table in the centre is now the suitcase holder! Tiny, compact, fabulous! I want a trullo!!
Caitlin and I went to the local internet point whilst mum had a short rest. No charge for internet, just a donation. Caitlin had a good 30-40 minutes, I had 5. Couple of quick up-dates and off for a beer (me) and a foccaccia (Caitlin). After suitable interval we wandered back to our trullo to see how the Gran was - ‘Doing Well’ and raring to go!
We spent hours wandering up and down marble paved paths and roads, in and out of trulli; tasting, touching and admiring.
Bought nibbles and aperitivo/digestivos to take home. On the recommendation of the Trulli Holiday guy we dined at La Pinnacolo restaurant - almost next door. Prices very reasonable, great view from the terraced garden outside, and only a short pour home for the night. With Caitlin and Mum giggling over their books I finished up my diary notes for the day and soon joined them!!
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