It’s the first of August, I have not been in Italy for almost a month now, and the summer holidays are about to start for most Italians. In a fortnight, on the 15th of August, it will be Ferragosto and I don’t have to be in Rome to know that everywhere you go these days, signs have put up on shop fronts announcing the approaching summer closing. It has been one of the main reasons for me not to stay in Rome this year during those somewhat stifling summer months in the city. At the same time, as it is for years now already, my summer wouldn’t be complete without Italy. And that’s exactly why I’ll be publishing my blog of next Monday from Italy again. From a place I have wanted to visit for a very long time…
The many Italy experts who read this blog know very well that Matera is not in Puglia
Namely Puglia and Matera. I deliberately mention Matera separately, because the many Italy experts who read this blog know very well that Matera is not in Puglia. In fact, it’s the capital of the region Basilicata. But because of its location right at where “the heel of the boot” starts – as the region of Puglia is known – many people combine it in one trip. And they are right to grab the chance to visit this unique city. Built on a slope above a deep gorge, many of the houses are carved into the rock as cave dwellings. Hence the mystical, characteristic appearance of the city where time has literally stood still. It has regularly featured as the backdrop for major films, such as “The Passion of the Christ” and the very last James Bond film “No Time To Die”.
It doesn’t even seem to be a coincidence anymore: the Italians that I click with best, almost all come from the most southern parts of the country
But even though Matera has been on my list for years already because of its unique beauty and history, I am going there now for a completely different reason: a small Eurovision Song Contest reunion. Those of you who read my blogs about Eurovision last May, may remember what amazing colleagues I met there. It doesn’t even seem to be a coincidence anymore: the Italians that I click with best, almost all come from the most southern parts of the country. This time that was no different. We immediately said that it would be great to see each other again in the summer. Not in Turin this time, but about a thousand kilometers further south. And now, against all expectations, that really seems to be happening!
Of course they still have time to meet up next week. And not just for an hour, but even whole days
Because as always, this too came about very spontaneously. I only booked my flight last Friday. It all started when my best friend Lucas – who is also my travelling companion and with whom I have been roaming the whole of Italy and destinations (far) beyond – rejected my idea to spend the summer in Salerno, near Naples and the Amalfi coast. After all, we’d already been there twice. “Puglia then?”, I suggested, and that was an instant hit. We have both been there before, but never together and in different places. And then I didn’t have to think for long, of course. Because if I were to go to Puglia, I would also try to visit my dear Eurovision colleagues from Matera and Taranto. I immediately sent them a text. Instantly, that wonderful, unforced and spontaneous Italian way of living came out. Because of course they still have time to meet up next week. And not just for an hour, but even whole days. After all, it’s August. And August in Italy means: out of office. Summer holidays. No tight agenda. Il dolce far niente. And you know what I like best about this way of doing summer? It actually gives you plenty of time to do anything you want. So, I don’t need to tell you that I couldn’t help but smile when I heard my friend’s enthusiastic voice on the phone, rattling on about the places we can visit and where we can eat. Ah, August in Italy. It’s the pure definition of an endless summer.
Your blogs are always incredibly Special and enjoyable to read. You share wonderful insights and experiences. ❤❤❤