If a photographer wished for a place where he or she could just point their camera almost anywhere and end up with a beautiful photograph, that place would likely be Italy; and I don’t mean just “pretty” pictures but a variety of urban, country, rugged landscapes, people, historical sites, farms, vineyards and yes, food…
The entire country of Italy is about the size of Arizona or New Mexico…it’s long and narrow. If you were to divide it into northern and southern halves, you’d find great differences in the food, wine, geography and people…
Most people think of Rome, Florence, Venice etc. when they think of Italy but go down south into the “boot” and you will find a very different Italy…it is flatter, poorer, more agricultural and has many small interesting small towns and villages where you can experience a different view of life.
I just returned from a visit to Southern Italy with my family and would happily return again. The people are very friendly although they don’t speak English as well as in the more touristy areas in the central and northern parts of the country. My Italian is pretty much limited to a few simple phrases…the most important of which is “where’s the bathroom?”
Some of the towns we visited were Vieste, Martina Franca, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Lecce and Matera. Like I said, not your typical Tuscan towns. Each one had its own flavor.
Of course there were some tourists besides us but not nearly as many as in the more well know cities further north. Additionally, we were there in November, great weather and after the crowds would have left if there had been any to start with.
You will find my recent photos on my site of this amazing visit to Southern Italy which speak more than I can to describe the wonders of the area…
Eddie Greenly
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