Near Bari

We just spent a lovely week with my mum and my 7 year old nephew visiting. As it’s August and flights are expensive they had to fly to Bari, instead of our nearest airport Brindisi, to get the best deal. So for both journeys we tried to make the most of the extra trip.

On the way to pick them up we stopped off at Ikea to order some furniture for a client. I always find Ikea a harrowing experience and I can never concentrate on the stuff in the shop, I just have an overwhelming instinct to get the hell out of there the minute I arrive. The only part I really enjoy is the food hall at the end, maybe because every part of my being knows I can relax by that point, but also because the food is actually very good.

This time I bought a large pack of smoked salmon, a good buy here in Puglia where, with the exception of Christmas time, the only stuff available is the oily, smelly Norwegian rubbish. I also bought some cheese, riveta type crackers and some delicious gooseberry jam. And I have never been to Ikea and managed to resist a hot dog.

The week was spent relaxing here in Salento, braving the busy August beaches or else escaping to the tranquility of our local swimming pool. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We headed north to Bari a day early and spent a night near Puglia’s most important historical site, Castel del Monte.

The unusual 13th century Unesco-protected castle is depicted on the Italian euro 1 cent coin. It is an imposing octagonal structure perched on a hill where it can be seen for miles around. Although at first glance it appears to be some kind of fortress it apparently lacks many of the essential features for this to be the case.

It was more likely a hunting lodge for the eccentric owner and commissioner, one time Holy Roman Emperor, Fredrick II. It is supposedly based on several Arabic buildings and is on a direct line to other spiritual buildings. It is definitely worth a visit and we all had our own theories about it.

Leaving loved ones at the airport is always sad, and the house now feels strangely empty without the buzz – and curious conversations and obsessions – of a seven year old around the place.