They Paved Paradise...

Ok, maybe "paradise" is exagerating things a bit...but there used to be a very nice park in this space behind the Ateneo of the University of Bari. There were benches and pathways through very old trees (including giant palms) and bushes. It was a nice space and a break from the concrete of the city.

Then the university decided that it would be a good idea to build an underground parking lot and they ripped up the trees and everything else in the park to create this giant pit. At least they're working on it now. The whole project was blocked for over a year because they hit water down there. That tends to happen when they dig down too far in Bari...being that it's on the sea and all!

This construction site has been underway for years now, I've lost count how many. Hopefully, one day they will put some trees and benches back on top of the parking lot. I'll keep you posted...

A Blues Man is Born

A good time was had by all at a friend's 50th birthday party last night. The crowd was moving and grooving to the music of the De Ville Blues Band of Trani. To read about them and listen to their music on their MySpace page, click here.

My younger son jumped in on the fun with the spoons. Talk about your washboard abs!

Monthly Theme Day: Best Photo 2009

I have chosen this photo as my best of 2009 on the basis of the response it generated when I first published it. I received more comments than I ever have for any other photo!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Molfetta by Night

Acquario 9893

Spotted this very shiny train in the station in Bari this morning. Not only is it equipped with extremely efficient mirrored windows, but its surface is so clean that it reflects as effectively as the windows!

Acquario means both "Aquarius" (the zodiac sign) and "aquarium" (where you keep your pet fish) and it seemed to me that the people on the platform looked like they were in a fish bowl!

Caffé Sottocoperta, 2

You can enjoy a lovely Whittington Cermonial Tea at the Caffé Sottocoperta (I featured their hot chocolate previously). I had a delicious hibiscus and rose hips tea called "the flight of the swan." The crystalized sugar on a stick was a particularly nice touch. And the candle, did I mention that the candle came with the tea? How's that for fancy presentation?

Country Lane