www.womanthismonth.com August/September 2017 PEOPLE | interview 73 Caption to us on the boat back to Vieste. The light of a new dawn breaks through our windows heralding the day's event, a magnificent drive through the Gargano National Park and onward towards Monte Sant'Angelo. Trekking through the park is undoubtedly a desirable adventure. A bike ride culminating in an 800m ascent is totally worth the pain and we are welcomed by unrivalled views that stretch over the valleys and sea. We recharge with a local fromaggio caciocavallo (cheese), fresh bread and olive oil and sample limoncello from a friendly local vendor – che bello! For dolce we are offered the local speciality of wafers filled with caramelised locally grown almonds – very sweet and welcome. Next stop is a farmhouse 30km from our current location and it's a lovely bike ride along relatively flat and well-surfaced roads. With dogs rushing to greet us, the smell of the farmhouse cooking wafting on the air and the sounds of chickens running around, a kind farmer exchanges greetings as he watches the day unfold, whilst leaning casually against the farmyard gate. Lovely scenery towards twilight calls for a meadow walk uphill, with wild strawberries at our feet, as red and mellow as the setting sun. We head back to a wholesome dinner of artisan foods, prepared with love by the farmer's brother, and vino rosso della casa, chatting into the small hours, our conversation aided with expressive Italian body language. One always sleeps so contently in the country after a long walk and a healthy meal. The following morning the crowing of the rooster awakens us, to discover that the dog has kept a vigil beside the door overnight. Running shoes on and out into the fields of poppies and a myriad of colourful flowers, we are greeted by lovely fresh air as we traverse the undulating landscape and venture deeper into the greenery, soaking it all in. You will always find natural nutrition on your run here – this time of the year we were snacking on ripe sweet cherries and plump purple and green figs. A perfect start to a day! Later we took mountain bikes and cycled into the fields of cattle, feeling at one and in total harmony with nature. From the farmhouse we drive towards our final stop in the city of Manfredonia on the sun-baked coast with the lovely resort of Pugnochiuso along the way offering the pleasure of a long swims to grottos and wild beaches. The local castle, church and a long central street are a hive of bustling activity and the intoxicating sound of life can be heard from every corner as children play, after their siesta, well into the night. Delightful gelato shops and the faces of happy holidaymakers add to the occasion. We take a long morning run from the old marina along the promenade, sprinting into the new town with its modern port and numerous restaurants tucked into the main buildings. It's wonderful to take a swim in water with a temperature that refreshes and, afterwards, indulge in traditional Italian Lavazza coffee with chocolate! There are cycling tours along the coast as well as day boat trips making for great long swims with captivating grottos to snorkel in and explore for a couple of hours - that's Bella Italia! Pizzette, orecchiette pasta, velvet-red juicy tomatoes, friselle, zeppole, vinello – the culinary delights are to die for, so you'd better live it and love it! Italia Amore Mio! If you have any questions please feel free to email [email protected] Places of Interest Gargano National Park Coves and sandy beaches Monte Sant’Angelo Trulli in Alberobello Pugnochiuso Resort Fotress in Lucera Castellana Grotte City of Vieste
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