Patrick,
I haven't read past this pos today, so you may have commented later, but I still can't figure out what time of the year you were here?
Since you were there for the festival, that should ring a bell!
I think I mentioned, but we won't be there until 14 October and that is probably not the best time to visit.
Thanks,
Brahmama / Carol

Patrick, what an informative and fun report to read. Thank you for bringing it up.

More questions for you - did you find driving in southern Italy (and
Sicily) more challenging than northern Italy? In general, how were the road conditions?

Polignano di Mare was August 8, 9, 10, 2002.

With the exception of getting into the incredible beach traffic, we found the roads no better or worse than northern Italy. And you can hop onto the autostrata and zip along nicely if you want when near the coast. I suspect that overall there would normally be less traffic on the roads in the south than in the north, just because there is a whole lot less population and tourism there.

Patrick, Thanks for your awesome report. My question to you is, do you think that Lecce would be a good place to stay in an apartment for a couple of weeks, is there enough to do there and enough interesting places to relax and hang out? Or is it more of a large, bsuy city (say like florence)? I've been there once, and only for the day, I don't have the clearest memory of what it's like. We are going to spend 2-3 months in Italy and want to hang out in the south. Looking for a good town with lots to do to call home for a few weeks. Is Lecce the one?

Florence has its great art and museums and the duomo. But I really dislike Florence as a city -- I've never felt anything within the city itself that seemed like real people lived there -- it's all about tourists. I have never sat in the main piazza to have a drink or lunch, look around, and see anything but tourists. Now I don't mind being with other tourists, since I am one, but a whole city? Lecce on the other hand is just the opposite. You will have to look to see other tourists. The cafes and ristorantes are all seemingly locals (or Italians there on business). If it weren't for the MacDonald's on the main piazza, you'd swear it was the Italy of long ago.
A couple weeks? Well, that's a long time, but why not? Because it is in the center of the "heel" there are a lot of directions to strike out during the day. And I guarantee you, you'll feel like you're living in a true Italian city.

Thank you so much. That was just the tip I was looking for. I agree with you in regard to Florence, actually aside from the spectacular art, I rather despise it. Are there even any Italians there? It is always a struggle in that city to find people speaking Italian! But everyone has to see it at least once. I understand you completely when you say that you want to be a tourist yet not be around tourists! No explanation necessary! We are definately looking for a city devoid of tourism or at least as few as possible. Sounds like Lecce is a fun possibility for R & R as well as day tripping. Thanks again! :-)

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