Pope to Puglia Day 30 and 31 Bitonto to Bari – 24km Bari to Mola di Barin – 25 km

As we approached Bari, the olive trees started resembling what they would look like if Botero sculpted them, still knobby and gnarly but more rotund.  We finally reach the Adriatic Sea once again to walk along an 8 km seaside promenade to the center of Bari, a city whose verve, energy and vitality is a welcome change of pace from the olive tree garden of Eden we strolled through for the last 5 days and yet the abrupt re-entry into a great urban center is disquieting at first.   But we adjust: seaside restaurant, live DJ, fritti misti, pasta vongole, Verdeca.   

Bari is gearing up for the feast of St Nicholas on May 9 when they celebrate the removal of the saint’s relics from Myra to Bari in the 11^th century.  St Nicholas is the patron saint of repentant thieves, so it was ok to steal his remains.  Bari is in full party mode, until 2 am under our window.  Even to our weary ears it sounded like fun.

The walk from Bari to Mola di Bari was along the seaside boardwalks that line the Puglian coast.  It was a beautiful day; families were enjoying perhaps their first outing of the spring/summer.  The picnic lunch followed all the customary protocols: table and chairs, tablecloth, glasses and plates and silver wear. Like at home, only on the beach.  The food smelled delicious.    We refrained from stopping for lunch today, so we are off to a seafood restaurant tonight.