Last Night in Puglia

It seems like we’ve been here forever. Was the wine tasting on Monday? It seems like it was weeks ago. It also seems too short — we’re just getting into a routine. It’s been a great vacation and we are all ready to get home, yet sad that it’s ending.

We have had a fairy tale week, yet it’s been so very real. The people and the land and feeling here are exactly what you hope for. It’s honest and charming and spectacularly beautiful and friendly. We have had a luxurious time, but there is no stuffiness or pretentiousness. Not many principessa moments, just the soul of Italy.

The generosity of the people is overwhelming. They forgive your accent, they talk with their hands, they accept you. They walk slowly, they savor moments, they smile at children, and they are proud. They show you peaches like they are babies, open an apricot and feed it to you and nod in approval, tell you where they grow their garlic and who made the ceramics. And you love them and get to know them on a spiritual level — they are sharing their souls with you.

We finally made it to a rosticceria tonight. The butcher cuts the meat and grills it and brings it to you. My mom and dad would have loved this!

Our final family meal. We have had such a great time together. I can’t wait to do it again!