August/September 2017 www.womanthismonth.com PEOPLE | interview 72 Spinning (cycling) along the Adriatic coastline, having left dresses and high heels back home, we are heading towards the heel of Italy – Apulia and the famous city of Vieste. Eyes focused on the views opening up as we traverse each bend of the road; stopping to take in the sights of jade green seas between the groves of olive trees on either side of the autostrada. Bellissimo! A visual boost to help us endure another epic hill climb. However, the reward of the lush vineyards and a welcoming sign – grape tasting beckons, mmmm. We gladly take this break and roll into the cosy hut of a local vintner and his warm welcome: “Bongiorno signorinas!” Feeling the warm breeze through the sanctuary, the rustle of the leaves, and having a few sips of vino rosso Italiano – its deep, fruity, playful notes brighten our spirits – we say “grazie” to the keeper. Rehydrated and socialised we head off, completely convinced "in vino veritas". It's my first time in Italy, Bari and the Apulia region. After a challenging and successful year in the world of real estate and an intensive Bahrain Triathlon season, I’m taking this escape to discover the hidden jewels of rural Italy and keep tri fit through the off-season. It’s a perfect setting for both, and I am delving into the treasures of this serendipitous journey! We are staying in a traditional Italian famiglia house and spa around 7km from the seafront with delightful vistas and a gorgeous garden, complete with a frog-filled terrarium. At dawn the cacophony of sounds breaks into the quiet of the estate with accelerating intensity as more amphibian voices join the chorus. We are off for a run up the Foresta Umbra in the morning, fresh oxygenated air making us dizzy and, going all the way uphill, we come across gorgeous animals in their natural habitat, exotic birds and breathtaking scenery – truly Bella Italia! A quick dip in the pool before breakfast is on the agenda for today – however, first we must rescue one of the frogs, it having made an expedition into la piscina last night, much to the excitement of the children and amusement of their parents and fellow hotel guests. Eventually the aquatic interloper is retrieved by the lifeguard and the little explorer is returned to its home to contemplate its next adventure. A sumptuous Mediterranean, carb-loading breakfast spree follows – donuts, rolls, croissants, buns, chocolate cakes, twists and marmalade-filled turnovers – oh Dolce Vita! A boat trip for the day turns out to be a rather jolly event with a horde of Italian tourists on board as we get under way to the Tremiti Islands, about a 90-minute trip with a boat change at Peschici. We arrive amidst turquoise-coloured waters and beaches perfect for tanning in this Mezzogiorno area of Italy, aptly named from the word ‘midday’ because of the intensity of the sunshine which glares down for nearly 300 days per year. We track along sun-hugged hills for a breathtaking view of the San Nicola church and the panorama of the islands beyond. Looking down the hill the water is inviting and, indeed, we dip into the cool of the Adriatic to enjoy the snorkelling followed by a sumptuous al fresco meal served Travel Advice Turkish Airlines flies from Bahrain to Bari. Hire a car to explore. Average hotel prices: BD20 per night for two people in a four-star with breakfast. Average restaurant bill for two: BD8.6 (Euro 20). Visa: Fast track with MVA, Bahrain, located in Aali Mall. Businesswoman, model and triathlete Anastasia Ageeva heads to Italy for some off-season training and sightseeing. Here, she tells us what the country has to offer for sporting enthusiasts. Forza Italia
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