So my bus trip from Polignano a Mare was easy and uneventful. That’s always a plus! The route also covered some smaller roads so very scenic, but difficult for photos. Some friends just wrote that they had cycled through this area. It’s very popular, but I’d never get anywhere because I’d want to stop for photos!

Young olive trees in a world of ancient.

Alberobello is in the Valle d’Itria, a green valley of stone fences, olive groves, vineyards and trulli.

Trulli are a dry stone construction, the oldest being from the late 16th century. One story is that they could be easy disassembled if the property taxman was coming to evaluate for houses. All he would find were piles of rubble, that could be reassembled when he left!

They are everywhere in the region, but Alberobello has two large sections of town where they are concentrated. Both are UNESCO world heritage sites. One area of 1000 are mainly souvenir shops, bars, caffe and restaurants.

The other area of 400 is residential, with locals and rentals

A large piazza faces the two areas, with room for all the tour groups to sit and eat and drink.

Early morning and late afternoon are much quieter here, so I went to Locorotondo for a few hours to escape the middle of the day. It is another town in the Valle d’Itria, and only 12 minutes away by train.

Small stations have no live staff. Tickets are purchased from the machine.

Locorotondo is rated one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. It is perched up high, with whitewashed narrow streets and many flowers. The old town is small and quiet.

Back in Alberobello I walked around the town.

Alberobello’s patron saint festival had ended the day before I arrived, so decorations were still up but not lit.

So then it was a bus and train to Ostuni. The train station is closer to the water because of the train track, so it was a small shuttle bus 2.5 km and UP, UP, UP to town.

Of course the cathedral is going to claim top ground!

The town is built on three hills, so there is still plenty of inclines and stairs. These tour mobiles are popular.

Piazza della libertà with City Hall and Church Francis of Assisi on its right

Also in the piazza, Column of Sant’ Oronzo from 1771

Walking around the old city walls

Looking over the old town

They had interesting large bales of hay with crocheted circles.

Collecting bottles on Sunday morning. Obviously no care about leaving them intact, judging from the noise!

The little streets frequently become seating areas for restaurants, but every night they pack everything away. I was fascinated by the place next to my apartment. From my rooftop patio I watched them set up.

It’s called Bellavista (beautiful view), and I shared the same from my patio. Just miles of olives trees down to the ocean.

Of course I had to try their pizza!

Tomorrow it’s another train to Lecce. I did check out where and when the bus to the station leaves. Good to know the 9:05 came at 9:32!

While I was there I started chatting with a woman from Belgium who comes to Italy twice a year. She was a great source of ideas for Sicily.

It was also nice to speak English and have a whole conversation. My Italian is limited to a very basic functional level and very few people here speak English.

See you in Lecce!