AM’s Italian, Croatian Adventure

Today we started our 4 day guided tour with Angelo of the Puglia region. Meeting him in our Bed and Breakfast lobby along with the other 4 travellers that will be with us from America. Judy and Jimmy from Florida and Pat and Kevin from New York. First stop a walk around Gioia (Joyo) to see the castle, it’s museum and the historical quarter. The Norman-Swabian Castle located in the centre of the village. The original core of the building was built during the Byzantine era around the year 1000. A few decades later the Normans added to it and the Throne Hall in this lovely! pic above was built by the Swabians in 1230. Next stop was a lovely town called Altamura. This town is famous for its DOP(designation of origin) bread. This bread is made by local bakers, which hand down the original recipe through generations. The ingredients are sourced only from the local area and the wheat is a type that is only grown in this part of Italy thus the DOP classification. ...

Left home at approx 4.30 to embark on the long journey to the northern hemisphere. Very proud of a minimal pack this time as we usually take the kitchen sink with us but NO both bags well below the limit. Ventured to the business class lounge, yep we booked business class otherwise there would be a stop over somewhere as the thought of travelling for 36 hours, not being able to sleep, cramped in a small space was too daunting. First champers of the trip at our new home business( if only) Up up and away at approx 10pm a bit late. Settled into the new surroundings which was very tough to get used to!!!!!   Oh how good. First destination Doha 15 hrs later with approx 6 hrs sleep. Doha airport massive. Just one of the many unusual features of the airport. This giant bear made of bronze was purchased by the King’s daughter from America with a price tag of $6 million. Imagine the logistics of transporting...