The southern hilltop town, Locorotondo, from Latin "locus rotundus," (round place) earns its name from the very circular nature of its formation. Ancient alleyways spread in circles from the centrally-located principle piazza and church in this white-washed city. Not to be confused with the larger, official citta bianca, Ostuni, another white city we visited during the week, Locorotondo is the place where you will want to get lost with your camera, or maybe your lover, not your whining 7-year-old girl, just at sunrise or sunset.
Locorotondo is in the province of Bari.
We rolled into town late Thursday morning, market day in Locorotondo, and after a stroll through the lively market, we wandered a bit through the narrow paths of the old town. While I'm generally not very interested in most market crap (Ouch!) in my neck of the woods, save the consumables, I do fancy markets outside of our region, if only for their variation on the theme of crap. Bad attitudes aside, a southern Italian market is a akin to a stage promising a show with a delightful cast of characters; this one did not fail us.
We bought cheese and salami, tomatoes and peaches, chick peas and lentils. A favorite was the taralli available in flavors such as fennel, pizza, onion, garlic, and even a sweet version with almonds and glazed sugar. I found a sassy bag perfect for my sister (Made in China, sorry Sis), and a simple beach hat per moi.
Outside of the ancient city, we also visited a couple of wineries, if only to stock up with a case or two to bring home. We are "those people" when hosting a dinner party: "Yes, this is a XYZ bottle of wine that we discovered while touring the delightful countryside of Puglia; 'twas marvelous darling, simply mawvelous. It's a 200X, and blah, blah, blah. . . ." Not! We are more like this: "Does it taste good? Will I have a headache tomorrow? Can I fill your glass?" We encountered some of "those people," wine snobs, in the States this summer and found them to be insufferable and quite comical. The people at the Cantina Sociale di Locorotondo, by the way, were by far the friendliest.
I always enjoy images of wine in plastic jugs or bags in boxes (which is gaining popularity, according to the New York Times.) Just like a regular filling station, locals bring glass bottles or demijonhs and fill 'er up with the local offerings. Wine is for the masses here. No wine snobbery allowed. Mostly.
Just an FYI: A very well-equipped park is located just off the piazza where the market takes place -- lots of swings and climbing equipment. Oh, and many benches, too!
What else can I say? GO! You won't be sorry. No, really. I'm serious. I loved this place. We all did. Even our, "I-just-want-to-swing-all-day-why-do-I-have-to-walk-through-these-streets-while-mommy-takes-photos-where-is-the-pool-can-I-have-gelato?" seven-year-old girl.
A nice shot of said girly enjoying her time in Locorotondo, which is a direct result of bribery or threats, I assure you.
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Up Next: To the Water
This village is beautiful; however I didn't find Bari much up talk about.
ReplyDeleteI just love markets, an important part of life to many Italians and a great place to people watch.
ReplyDeleteKelleyn, We didn't visit Bari this time so I'm not too sure what it's like. I can tell you, though, we loved each place we did visit.
ReplyDeleteLindy, There was a time that I loved markets, too, and I still prefer them for foodstuff. I just think that there is too much plastic "crap" and low quality clothing in many of the markets.
Dana
It looks like a beautiful city! And I can promise you, filling up wine bottles with a gas hose in Italy means you automatically win any (and all) wine snobbery competitions you're in for the rest of your life. Seriously. Hands down. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures!
I love, love, love this! And your photos are fantastic! Oh you make me want to get on a plane and move back this very moment.. we are desperately working on it!
ReplyDeletelove, love, love the laundry pictures...ok, I have a thing for laundry. Also, love the picture of the old and the young in the park, beautiful subject and composition, very nicely done.
ReplyDeleteFunny, Emily. The irony of the wine snob encounter in the States is that I knew quite a bit more than they did, just by virtue of the fact that I've lived here for nearly 10 years & I like wine. I listen to friends, I visit vineyards . . . but it's just part of what we do, you know. No need to have a sense of superiority about it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen. I sure hope that you are able to work it out! We are fortunate in that respect.
Daisey, I've seen your laundry images and paintings. I know. I, too, love those. The stark contrast of the laundry in the white-washed city . . . too much for me to handle!
D