Hello all - I've been living in Italy for almost 4 years now, but I've never gotten active on this board.
I have known of Slow Trav for some time, but have spent more time researching the bureaucratical issues of living here over at Expats rather than the fun things like traveling and eating! But I'm working on changing that so I thought I'd register instead of continuing to lurk.
I'm from the Bay Area, California and have been lived in Rome, Pavia and now Milan since 2003 and I had several trips + study abroad prior to moving here.
My husband is from Puglia and I spend quite a few vacations down there and I've seen quite a bit of other parts of Italy, so I hope to be helpful and give as well as receive information!
I also have a blog, Ms. Adventures in Italy, that I use to talk about (mostly) food, photos and discovering all the best gelaterias in Italy (& the world) on my Tour del Gelato!
Welcome! I haven't had a chance to read your blog in-depth but it looks very interesting and I look foward to reading it later when I am not rushing around.
Hi Marta, I guess you've been doing some lurking, too! Leslie, I am still looking for a camera but I am narrowing it down - I will probably go with a Canon Rebel XTi since I can use my old 35mm lenses - in Italy it's called a 10D, I believe. It's just a matter of when!
Hi L. Erikson, I'll have to check out your site as well!
Hi there Ms. Adventures in Italy!! And welcome. I also have been a lurker for some time and decided to "come out" several months ago. I am so happy I did, as this board and travel site has given me so much information and help in the short time I have been using it.
I am planning another trip to Italy in May of this year and it will probably be to the Puglia area. I read with glee what you wrote about your husband being from Puglia (where is he from exactly?), etc. I wonder whether you can give me some tips, places that are "not to be missed", etc.
Right now I am planning on between 7-10 days in the area. So far, I was thinking of basing for 3-4 days in Lecce and another 3-4 days around Trani. I have written to, and received replies from, several b&b's, hotels, etc. but if you know of any "secret" ones that only real Italians might know of, I would appreciate any of your first hand experiences.
Hi Dorit, it sounds like you have a good itinerary - my husband is from Manfredonia, which is right at the entrance to Gargano, the national park that is the "ankle" of the boot - I definitely encourage you to head to Gargano if you can...I think staying in Trani will probably be close enough for you to do a few day trips - maybe there are even some boats leaving to the Isole Tremiti, Vieste or Peschichi. If you are interested in religious landmarks, etc. San Giovanni Rotondo is where Padre Pio is from and Monte Sant'Angelo has the Chiesa di San Michele which is a big tourist attraction and it's a cute little town.
As far as places to stay I will have to think, as I have a place to stay when I'm visiting (in-laws!) but we have had guests stay at Hotel and Panorama del Golfo (two separate hotels, same company) in Manfredonia.
If you're into camping, there are quite a few campgrounds in that area as well.
I am now thinking of 3 night in Lecce in Villa Giuliana B&B, 3 nights in Martina Franca in Masseria Chiancone Torricella, and three more nights in Trani, either at Albergo Lucy or Domus Angela B&B.
If you or your husband (or anyone else), knows anything specific about these places or has personal experience, I would be happy to hear. It is really difficult to find reviews or articles about them.
I know the owner of Villa Guiliana and we have visited Andrea's place - he speaks fluent English and is a really nice guy, we personally recommend his place.
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but I am narrowing it down - I will probably go with a Canon Rebel XTi since I can use my old 35mm lenses - in Italy it's called a 10D, I believe. It's just a matter of when!
