Trulli

I love Puglia, that wonderful region that is the heel of Italy.

It’s famed for the trulli of Alberobello, and the sassi (stones, or stone dwellings, of Matera. I first visited about 15 years ago. It’s become more fashionable since then and in some of the towns the ancient trulli are no longer simple farmers’ homes; they are upmarket holiday cottages and boutique hotels.

As we were driven (quickly by Nicola our coach driver) I managed to snap a few real rural scenes.

Olive trees, vineyards, stunning pasta, wonderful cheese and cured meats. Oh, and seafood.

I’m here for the Opera Festival in Martina Franca. I know none of the operas we’re going to, and I’ve only vaguely heard of one of the composers.

Only eight of us, including the tour leaders who happen to be the Chairman of the company and his wife.

This is going to be interesting.