Monopoli

Monopoli is really a special town. Ancient, comfortable, authentically Italian. The Passeggiata each night, no American tourists, no chain hotels. And the light! Limestone walls and buildings against a blue ocean, locals in the water, the man selling apricots in the three wheeled truck, all of it. It’s the way we imagine an Italian town.

We took a last stroll along the waterfront this morning. Brad in his natural habitat looking at boats and talking to fishermen.

Breakfast was gorgeous as always, and the view! Wish you could feel and smell the soft, salty air.

We checked out and walked to the park to have our car delivered because the streets are so narrow, it is only for pedestrians. Because we have no luggage (still) it was an easy walk. On our way we stopped at the local beach — like a scene from My Brilliant Friend.

We drove into the heart of the Val d’Itria to our Villa, which is nicer than the gorgeous pictures. The compound is remote, but breathtaking and the two houses are spectacular and commodious. We got there first and what did we find but a vegetable garden! First thing I did was pick zucchini! After all, there was no unpacking to do!

Next thing, we hear a meowing….. a new friend for the week! A bowl of milk goes a long way in making friends.

Everyone arrived, we had aperitivo as the sun set over the hills with the town of Ostuni glistening in the distance. We grilled three kinds of sausage and the zucchini, made a huge salad and drank great wine out on the terrazza until the kids fell to sleep. No pictures, you’ll just have to imagine it. More photos tomorrow.