Ciao Pia, my friend! We’re back from a great week! We were on the go, but it was a fun time.
All of the hotels were beautiful and each so different from one another. Staying in a real Trullo was like going back in time! Of course it was beautifully remodeled! Your choice for our hotel in Lecce was amazing! We felt like royalty!!! But, like I said, all of the hotels and the staff were first class!
Our guide in Bari, Mimmo, was like family! We really got to enjoy Bari with him. At the end of the day he offered to drive us to Sannicandro where my grandfather was from. My maiden name Mondelli is a very popular name in that village.
The cooking class in the countryside was so much fun!!! A lovely lady named Ana hosted the class at her family home that is now a small B&B. The home was built of limestone over 50 years ago! Her good friend Roberta is the chef.
By the end of the day we felt like old friends! Beautiful country location with an amazing lunch!
The burrata factory was so much more than a factor! We were given a tour of the farm and then treated to a wonderful lunch prepared by the family. During the tour we were able to watch the entire process of making the cheeses. Tori actually got a chance to make the burrata with the cheese maker. The whole time was a beautiful experience!
Leaving there, we drove to the winery. The young girl was very nice, but it was a long drive. I am sure that you are not familiar with the whole area. It took about an hour to get to the winery after leaving the farm.
Walking through the streets of Alberobello was like going back in time! Michele, our tour guide was great! We had some free time to roam around the city which was fun. The Fornello dinner was such fun! Michele explained everything to us during the evening. His darling wife was our interpreter at the burrata farm. Both were so personable.
Unfortunately, when we arrived in Polignano a Mare, we were met with rain! Once it stopped we were able to tour around. Beautiful sea village!
Our second cooking class was also a lot of fun! I was not aware that you had to select the food and when you asked if there was anything we didn’t eat, seafood didn’t enter my mind. He was prepared to make mussels and clams. That is not something we eat but he quickly changed the menu. It actually turned out great cuz Tori had wanted to make pasta and that’s what we did. Again, we had a delicious lunch!!!
The Patria Palace Hotel in Lecce is so grand! We truly felt like royalty! Before going to our suite, we were met with a glass of prosecco in the reception room! While waiting to take the walking tour, we watched a real Italian wedding procession, band and all! The bride arrived in a white horse drawn carriage! Highlight of the trip!
It was a whirlwind of a trip, but so worth it!
Thank you once again for your expertise in creating a memorable vacation!
Gloria🙂
