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Bari – Part I
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Living in Puglia, the car has always been my chosen method of transport, but giving consideration to my imaginative driving powers in the countryside I gave way to a safer choice of journey and opted for the Ostuni – Bari, Inter-city train.
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Full Article
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With two minutes to spare before departure, the ticket kiosks were fortunately without a queue and I was able to purchase my one-way ticket for 7 euros; allowing only seconds to stamp it in the validating machine before hearing the rumble of a distant train.
The journey was approximately 45 minutes and the departure time near enough accurate.
I settled in a compartment made for six, enjoying momentarily, the solitude and peacefulness of my own company. Observing the countryside from my window seat, I was struck by the vibrancy of the colours; the sky a light blue in contrast to the dark marine blue sea. After a few weeks of rain the countryside had bloomed into fields of green with orange and white wildflowers intermittent to olive groves and vineyards.
Torre San Sabina
I became acutely aware of the serious business of olive production, as the ancient olive trees rose to the majestic height of buildings. In evidence along the borders of the rail track were the sporadic presence of habitats in bordeaux and azure blue. Winter vegetables adorned the countryside; fennel, cabbage, chicory, cauliflower, artichoke, onions and yellow bean plants in their continuous highly cultivated and well maintained lines.
“Posso?” hardly required an answer, but I meekly replied “Prego.”. I could hardly keep the carriage all to myself, could I?
Porto Vecchio, Monopoli
Once past Monopoli the industrious nature of Puglia’s economic survival became more significant. The countryside swapped for courtyards of metal, building materials, glass and the inevitable collection of ancient debris that comes with industrial towns and cities.
Leaving the train, my hearing was immediately threatened. I felt I had lost all sense of direction and ability to think or concentrate on my next move. Out of my depth with three years of country living were working against my intuitive nature to survive, the noise and the bustle now an alien feature in my life.
I past old women begging in the underground of the station, grimy hands stuck out for a few extra coins. Begging myself, for an exit, the station unfolded and I was greeted at the top of the stairwell by a rush of polluted warm air from passing buses, taxis queued up with engines running and a rather large carriageway to cross before reaching the Tourist office. (Located opposite).
There is a large fountain opposite Bari-centrale with minimal representation of greenery and home to several pigeons feeling more comfortable than I in these surroundings, and next door home to the tourist’s haven from chaos.
Bari-centrale
Finding refuge from the noise inside the tourist office cabin, my thoughts began to thaw and I asked for a map and some kindly advice on where to have lunch and where to avoid.
He spoke cautiously almost distrusting, I explained that I was writing an article about Bari nightlife, caffe`s and restaurants for the Easyjet in-flight magazine; the reason for my apparition in Bari. He had a good command of English and asked me “How do I get to Spain? Do you fly to Madrid?” Good question I said, but I have one for you – “how do I get to the old port of Bari?”
He explained a few of the do’s and don’ts as I left two Australian backpackers to take my nicely warmed seat.
Within minutes I was lost as I did not want to be seen looking at a map and therefore be seen as a rather unknowledgeable tourist. With blonde hair and a semi-professional camera, I was already looking a bit conspicuous in my surroundings. I smiled and said hello to anyone that looked at me. Such madness with intentions. No one will pay attention to someone who smiles and talks to herself will they?
By the end of day in Bari, that smile turned to crazy uncontrolled laughter!
References:
Photos from http://www.flickr.com
Ostuni - Umby1054
Monopoli - Porto Vecchio - Sleeping Grey
Bari Centrale - W_
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