I’m sure that you are surprised to find out that we stopped for a cappuccino on our way to the train station. It was *really* busy in there! After our coffees, we stopped at the grocery store at the train station and bought some sandwiches, chips, oranges and a bottle of mineral water. They have delicious homemade rolls that are made into sandwiches with fresh vegetables, meat, cheese, and are packed with flavor. At a train station. Really!!
Today, we’re heading to Ostuni, the famed “Città Bianca” or “White City.” Its dazzling whitewashed buildings date back to the Middle Ages when lime was believed to have disinfectant properties, helping to curb the spread of the plague. This tradition not only played a role in disease prevention but also served a practical purpose—reflecting the intense southern sun and keeping the town cooler in the heat. Interesting to note, the churches were not painted as they believed God would provide the protection. They now keep up with the tradition as the beauty of the city attracts tourists.
We knew when we arrived by train that we needed to figure out how to get the bus to town. No worries, there were signs directing us all to the bus stop. I would say there were probably 15 of us. What I was worrying about though, is how to actually buy a bus ticket. We figured we might need to try to buy one from the bus driver. Which I am not holding out hope for. Google maps tells me it is about a 28 minute wait for the bus. I never do find out how to buy a ticket because some locals come by and offer rides to town for 5 euro each. Sure thing! We hop in one of the cars and he drives us to town. I ask him on the way to town how to buy a bus ticket. He reassures me that I don’t want to take the “dull” bus that takes so long. He asks when our train home is. We let him know. He says he will pick us up at the same spot he dropped us off at. He keeps our 20 euro. 10 for the way there and 10 for the way back. Well, hope he shows back up! We head out to explore the town. BTW, this is not an official taxi, so we have no recourse if he ditches us.
As it is February, all but a few of the tourist shops are shuttered. We’re okay with that. We wander around. We are able to go into the first church we come upon. It does not disappoint. The second church which I think is the main one – is locked up. Bummer. We explore the streets, stroll along the promenade (which used to be the moat) and have a picnic lunch. It is pretty breezy and the wind has a bite to it. The sun does eventually peek out and warms us.
We enjoyed the exploration, stopped and had a coffee after our picnic and headed back down to meet up with the local. Jim is sure he is not showing or if he shows he will end up charging us more. I say no, he said he kept 10 for the way back. We do have a plan b. The bus will be coming in about half an hour. Not only does the local show back up, but he is early – drives us straight to the station, does not charge us more and tells us he loves us when we get out of the car! Glad my faith in humanity was not dashed. We are now an hour early for the train though. But we see there is one coming in 5 minutes for Bari. Woot. You can easily change which train you want to take on the app. (okay, it is easy now because I have done it several times, initially it was a challenge to figure out how)
We are whisked home. The sun is now actually out in all its glory, so we decide to walk to the lungomare (promenade along the sea). We bask on a bench – and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. We stop at the Rosso Tono to shop for some dinner and head home.
We wake up to a large Internet outage. I’m forced to do this blog on my phone. Not my favorite! Let’s hope it’s back up and running soon.
Paleremo Presto