Gargano

We move on to the Abruzzo mountains tomorrow but we’ve thoroughly enjoyed our time in Gargano. Gargano is the spur on the boot of Italy. Technically part of Puglia, it has a sense of being a little world on its own. It’s quite hilly so it takes time to get around it but the coastline and quaint towns are stunning. It’s not overly manicured but has that Italian natural style. It smells of sun baked pine trees and wild mountain herbs.

There is a history of agriculture and fishing here. The fishing seems a thing of the past but they have preserved “trabuccos” along the coast which are basically wooden fishing machines. They have a large net attached to them which is lowered into the water and raised back up via a capstan. As the weather here can be harsh and the sea rough, it allowed the fishermen to fish in all weathers.

We are staying just outside Vieste in a little villa on a complex: the view from our sun terrace is just stunning and there are flowers everywhere.

As we spent our first few days whizzing around exploring we decided to have a couple of chill out days before we hit the mountains.

Yesterday, Hot and tired after our journey from Manfredonia, we were looking forward to a dip in the pool. Reading the information booklet in the villa our hearts sank when we read we couldn’t use the pool between 1.30 and 4 (siesta time) and we had to wear swimming caps and goggles. You are kidding me!! Anyway I managed to rustle up a couple of shower caps and we already had goggles. I was going to take a picture of us togged up but it looked so ridiculous I couldn’t bring myself to.

Feeling very naughty, we crept down to the pool and lay beside it quietly. It wasn’t long before an Italian family and some German folk appeared and jumped in sans caps and goggles. Thank goodness for the Italian complete disregard for rules. Bit surprised at the Germans though.

The Italian dad amused us greatly by getting stuck in his child’s rubber ring. A very portly chap, it was a wonder that he managed to get in it in the first place and it took him about 5 dives to get it off.

It’s a three and a half hour drive tomorrow to our next destination, the hill village of Pacentro. No more beautiful sea to look out at but I’m hoping the mountains will be just as lovely.