Unforgettable Memories: Exploring Bari, Italy and the Enchanting Alberobello - my first taste of Italy, my 2nd time travelling alone.

11-14.11.2014

Here we go, I am in Italy! As I stepped off the plane, a surge of excitement coursed through me. "Italy, I am here! My holidays have started!" I wanted to shout to the world. Passing through passport control, I couldn't contain my happiness. I resisted the urge to dance and instead walked with a wide grin plastered on my face. After a quick stop at the restroom, I freshened up with my favourite red lipstick from the London Duty-Free shop and a spritz of perfume. "I am ready to start my holidays," I thought to myself, determined not to let anything, not even my period, interrupt my adventure in Bari, a city often overlooked by travellers exploring Italy for the first time.

Navigating through the airport, everything felt new and exciting. I smiled at everyone I encountered, and it seemed like the feeling was mutual. Even buying a simple train ticket to the city centre became an adventure, with the unfamiliar automatic machines proving to be a charming challenge.

Exiting the train in Bari, I was greeted by the warm embrace of a late evening. The air was thick with the promise of adventure as I strolled through the park, soaking in the sights and sounds of my surroundings. Bari felt like a hidden gem – cute, warm, and beautiful, with the sparkling sea just a stone's throw away.

Bari, a coastal city in southern Italy, is the capital of the Puglia region, known for its rich history, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture. As I wandered through the maze-like streets of the old town, I was transported back in time, surrounded by centuries-old buildings and charming piazzas. The Basilica di San Nicola, a grand Romanesque church dedicated to Saint Nicholas, was a highlight of my exploration, with its impressive architecture and richly decorated interior.

Finding my B&B proved to be a bit of a challenge, as there was no sign outside. But this minor setback led me to discover a small, charming bar where the bartender spoke Spanish and kindly pointed me in the right direction. Later, I returned to the same bar for dinner, and it was a culinary delight. The bartender treated me like royalty, recommending delicious dishes despite the language barrier. The wine was exquisite, and to my surprise, the bill didn't break the bank. It was a perfect start to my holiday, and I later learned that this hidden gem was a must-visit for tourists.

My room at the B&B was a dream come true, three times larger than my London apartment, complete with a king-sized bed and a quaint balcony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. As I gazed out at the picturesque town below, I couldn't help but feel like I had stepped into a scene from a movie.

But my adventure didn't end in Bari. Eager to explore more of Puglia's charm, I embarked on a day trip by train to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique trulli houses. The train ride itself was a scenic journey through olive groves and rolling hills, offering glimpses of rural Italian life.

Alberobello, with its fairy-tale landscape of whitewashed trulli clustered together in a maze-like network of narrow streets, was a sight to behold. These traditional dry stone huts with conical roofs date back to the 14th century and are a testament to the ingenuity of the region's inhabitants.

Wandering through the cobblestone streets, I marvelled at the intricate stone masonry and quirky conical roofs that gave the town its distinctive charm. I couldn't resist exploring the interior of one of the Trulli, where I learned about the fascinating history and construction techniques behind these iconic dwellings.

After a day filled with wonder and discovery, I returned to Bari, a heart full of memories and a camera full of photos capturing the beauty of Alberobello. It was a day I would never forget, a perfect complement to my time in Bari – a city that had stolen my heart from the moment I arrived.

In Bari and beyond, every moment was an adventure, every experience a treasure. From the warmth of its people to the beauty of its landscapes, Italy welcomed me with open arms, inviting me to explore its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonders. As I drifted off to sleep that night, the echoes of my adventures dancing in my dreams, I knew that my holiday in Italy would be a journey to remember for a lifetime.