We took advantage of the office being closed for the holidays and on Christmas morning flew to Bari, Italy with Elder and Sister Muehlmann.
Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is a beautiful town on Italy’s southern Adriatic coast. We enjoyed stunning views from Pietra Piatta and Terazza Santo Stefano.
We visited the Domenico Modugno statue and then walked the streets reading the lyrics in lights and singing the song he is famous for, Volare.
We saw the old town gate Porta Grande and wandered the narrow streets of old town keeping an eye out for poetry painted on walls and doorways. The artist is Guido II Flaneur.
We walked the old Roman bridge and put our hands in the water at Lama Monachile beach.
And then we enjoyed a quiet Christmas dinner.
Alberobello
Alberobello is famous for is unique trullo buildings and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Trulli are round buildings topped with a conical roof made of limestone tiles. They were originally constructed as temporary field sheds that could be dismantled quickly to avoid taxation. The trulli we saw were constructed in the 19th century.
We bought some beautiful handmade table runners among other treasures.
The cheese and hanging tomatoes were works of art.
Locorotondo
Locorotondo is one of the most ancient villages of Pulgia. It is known for its circular layout and offers stunning views of the Itria Valley. It was all decked out for Christmas.
Monopoli
Monopoli is a charming historical coastal town known for its whitewashed buildings, narrow alleys, medieval churches and a vibrant working harbor.
It is also home to the Baroque Monopoli Cathedral full of exquisite marble. Here we found a Presepe. This elaborate display went far beyond the simple stable scene, featuring an entire miniature village with townspeople, artisans, and scenes of daily life.
Matera
Matera has gained international fame for its ancient cave dwellings, the Sassi de Matera, carved into the mountainside. Evacuated in 1952 due to poor living conditions, the Sassi now houses museum homes and rock churches.
Matera is famous for pane de Matera, a round loaf of bread with a crusty exterior made from locally grown wheat. It tastes similar to sourdough. Nativity scenes were everywhere, including in loaves of bread.
We were blessed to attend Matera’s famous Living Nativity (Presepe Vivente) where Sassi caves were transformed into a biblical reenactment with hundreds of performers. It was a memorable experience
Brindisi
We attended church at the Brindisi branch. There were 12 branch members, six missionaries including us, and 24 visitors. They were thrilled to have us. Ed played the piano and I conducted the music.
Lecce
Lecce is sometimes called the Florence of the south because of the 17th century baroque found here. Roman ruins also abound.
Ostuni- La Citta Bianca (the white city)
Ostuni boasts stunning whitewashed buildings and winding streets through Old Town.
Puglia Perishables
We ate delicious regional Italian desserts like cartellate (strips of dough made into small roses, deep fried and coated with honey) and pasticciotti (pastry resembling a coffee cake stuffed with ricotta or egg custard and a sour cherry) Hot chocolate is just melted chocolate- thick and rich. The Puglia region is also known for orecchiette and focaccia.
Halfway through our Italian journey we drove from the southeast coast to the southwest coast.
Pompeii
Pompeii was a prosperous ancient Roman city in Italy, famously preserved under meters of volcanic ash and pumice after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD offering an unparalleled snapshot of daily Roman life. From grand forums and lavish homes with frescoes to everyday items like bread in ovens and graffiti, revealing a thriving, multicultural port town with advanced features and vibrant culture frozen in time.
Herculaneum
Herculaneum was a wealthy small Roman seaside town near Naples, famous as a luxurious retreat for the Roman elite. Destroyed and perfectly preserved by the same Vesuvius volcanic eruption, here wood, furniture, and organic matter were carbonized in comparison to Pompeii’s lighter ash cover leaving remarkably intact buildings, frescoes, mosaics, and even papyri.
Capri
We took a ferry to spend a day in Capri. It was a luxury Roman resort for Roman emperors (Augustus and Tiberius) and wealthy elites. Now, it is a picturesque gem on the Mediterranean.
Sorrento
With Picturesquely soaring cliffs above the waters of the Mediterranean, this vibrant old town is known for its ceramics and wood inlay creations. The view of Mount Vesuvius is spectacular. Oranges hung on trees and Christmas music filled the air.
We happened upon another presepio although what led to the nativity were not scenes from the Bible but vignettes from Sorrento’s noblemen’s history: families gathered in celebration, school children in the classroom, a marketplace alive with sales, washerwomen dancing, craftsmen at work, musicians, and citrus orchards being harvested.
Every church had its own nativity. “A child is born and the history of humanity changed forever.”
We ushered in the New Year watching the fireworks of Sorrento. The entire coast of Naples Bay was lit up with fireworks that continued for over an hour.
The Amalfi Coast:
We kicked off the New Year by driving the Amalfi Coast. Tiny pointed regional tomatoes are beyond delicious. We sampled them on salads and in pasta sauce. We have seen them hanging in markets, shops, roadside stands, and homes. We are told they last for months.
Positano
Most of the village of Positano is accessible only by foot through steep stairways and passages filled with shops.
We happened upon a concert rehearsal in this picturesque fishing town.
Praiano
The 13th century Parrocchia Di San Gennaro church in Praiano is known for the beautiful tile work on its cupolas. They are distinctive because two different families were commissioned to do the work. Both the Corsario and D’Alangno families are still known for their beautiful ceramic creations.
A Christmas Eve pilgrimage from Praiano to this permanent nativity scene down the highway is a local tradition.
Unique Nativities are found in every church. Europeans have kept their Christmas celebrations focused on the Savior.
Amalfi
We arrived in Amalfi during a mass at the Duomo de Sant’Andrea. Pausing here was a beautiful way to start the new year.
Ravello
In Ravello we toured Villa Rufolo, built in the 13th century by a prominent merchant family. After falling into disrepair, Scottish botanist Sir Francis Neville Reid purchased it in 1851, renovating the gardens and architecture creating the Moorish style seen today.
Maiori
We had a fabulous New Years lunch in what used to be a guard tower, built in the 1200’s by the Normans.
We feel blessed to have spent the holidays in Italy. When the area office was closed, we took the opportunity to travel and truly have had a grand tour of Europe during the last 18 months. For this we are very grateful. And now it is back to work! We have a lot to accomplish during the last three weeks of our mission
We wish you a very Happy New Year! May you be blessed with peace and purpose.
With love, Elder & Sister Lamb (aka Ed & Debbie, Mom & Dad, Pop Pop & Tu Tu)
Lambs in Central Europe 