Day 2
Bari, Italy
Bari is more intended as a departure/arrival port (MSC typically will have at least 2 ports for embarkation/disembarkation) rather than a destination on our particular voyage. This allows for ultimate flexibility for them and their passengers as you are permitted to disembark at any port where the vessel is being joined by new passengers.
However if you are staying aboard the vessel you are more than welcome to enjoy Bari. Located on Italy’s east coast Bari is the capital of Bari provence and also a busy sea port and trade centre. Bari is also home to some Italy’s most traditional and noteworthy cuisine - with dishes being centered around three elements - Wheat (Pasta) Olive Oil & Wine (The home of Moscato isn’t far away in the adjoining Puglia region). Seafood and Pork also play a large part in Gastronomic experiences around the town.
(Street scene in Bari)
The weather wasn’t fabulous today, which resulted in Dad staying onboard the ship while Mum and I went into town. Stupidly the ships schedule had us arrive at midday. This landed us straight in the centre of nap time for the town and was rather disappointing as most shops were closed. Instead Mum found a walking tour which took us into Old Bari and some great off the beaten track places. We were joined by a British couple on this tour which cost a nominal 5 euros per person. It was on this tour that we were introduced to “world famous” Pasta Ladies of Bari. Famous apparently from their appearances on the likes of “No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain” and a few other cooking/travel shows.
(The Pasta ladies of Bari)
Our walking tour continued to Bari’s cathedral which was originally constructed in 1034! However its dramatic history saw it destroyed in 1156 and rebuilt in 1178. Rather spectacular in construction, its rather simple yet elegant in design. We were not allowed to enter as the local children were inside for a mass. Our short tour culminated Barivecchia’s Piazza Ferrarese where we picked up a Gelato, despite a bitter cold change. We then promptly moved back to the ship as the weather was quite nasty at this point.
All in all it was a great sampler for a city and region considered somewhat off the beaten track. I would love to go back again and explore the outer regions of Bari Province and the Puglia region. Considering Bari is only a 3 hour car ride away from Naples, I would certainly recommend it for anyone passing through the region.
This evening onboard is formal night and one of Mummy and Daddy’s greatest attributes as a couple if the ability to make friends - languages spoken not normally a barrier! While we were ashore Dad has met and invited to dinner a wonderful Australian couple from Perth and a German couple from a small town in the Rhineland. We are all dressed in our finest and enjoy a wonderful multiple course dinner in E’Toile.
We are then escorted down through the “pleb” section to the theatre for this evenings show which was a take on Cirque Du Soliel. If you let the butlers know they will reserve seats for you and hold them until you finish your dinner! Such great service. If I had to describe it in a word “incredible”. The three couples and myself culminated the evening in The Top Sail Lounge (Yacht Clubs private lounge) with a couple of bottles of bubbles and a cigar for the gents!
We hit the beds with our weary heads at around 1am as tomorrow we are in Katakolon, Greece - the port for Olympia!