Bari: where Santa Claus Rules And Pasta Flies!

Lungomare di Bari

Bari is like a big playground by the sea, where pasta grows on trees and everyone speaks in hand gestures! As you wander the streets, it's a bit like playing charades with the friendly locals.

First up, there's Lungomare, Bari's seaside walk. It's like a giant water slide for your eyes, with the sea waving at you and the wind telling jokes only it understands.

Then, pop over to the Basilica di San Nicola. Home to the remains of St. Nicholas (yes, that's Santa Claus to you). Bari managed to 'borrow' these relics from Turkey in 1087 and never gave them back. Talk about a holy heist! Now, Bari is the only place where you can ask Santa for presents year-round.

In Bari Vecchia, or the old town, you can get delightfully lost. The streets are twisted like spaghetti, and the laundry hangs like flags of friendship. If you look puzzled, someone might just hand you a slice of focaccia to cheer you up!

And oh, the orecchiette pasta! It's like eating little bowls of happiness. If you're lucky, a grandma might show you how to cook them. But watch out, you'll leave with a full tummy and some new Italian words!

Once the sun goes down, Bari becomes a twinkly wonderland. People dance and eat gelato in the piazzas, and it's like everyone's your new best friend.

So, if you're up for some giggles, pasta, and magic, Bari is ready to welcome you with a big hug and maybe a plate of orecchiette. Just remember your appetite and your silly side!

Rossana Carlà