Never been to Puglia? Thinking of visiting this part of Italy – perhaps not for the first time? I lived there for nine years from 2001 until 2009. Now I am regretting that I ever came back to the barely United Kingdom. I miss the warmth, the food, the idiosyncratic ways of its people, their unfailing hospitality, the deviousness of the market-stall holders, the smells, the sound and sight of people of all ages united on their local town square joining in their traditional dance – the Pizzica – whose rhythms will haunt me until the day I die. Not to mention the fresh fruit and vegetables and the abundance of healthy dishes which almost guarantee longevity, if not eternal life.
My nine life-changing years entitle me to tell you the way it is in this far-flung region of Italy. All will be revealed. Nothing will be concealed. This will be Puglia with the Gloves Off.