Sunday - 6 April 2025 - Bari

Mid morning Sunday, we headed to a huge, out of town shopping mall, returning with a massive stock. It only just fitted in the boot of the taxi. A very kind local guy helped us book a taxi to get there. Our Italian has improved a lot, but we just came unstuck, trying to give an address that no one knows. We've learned now to give the name of the university sports centre next door. Fortunately the guy bringing us back was also very helpful and recognised that we would be going to the marina. It was pretty obvious we wouldn't be going to the sports centre with the huge pile of groceries.

There are special trolleys to keep the children happy at the hypermarket

By the time we returned, the weather had broken, and a full gale force wind was blowing, with white water in the harbour. The guys in the boatyard had already put some extra lines on the boat to keep her secure.  Even so, it was bit of a challenge to make multiple trips across the passerelle with heavy loads, while the boat and the pontoon were both moving. Phew, we managed it, with neither we, nor any of the shopping going in the water.

On Monday, it continued to be cloudy, freezing cold and very windy, a good day to get off the boat to go to one of the suburbs, where we we can get fabulous fresh fish. This time, we learned more delights about the area, all to do with food, an advantage of returning here for a third visit. The Italian influence is definitely rubbing off.

Tricia (and Steve)

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