Bello Luong Bimbo

Monday, May 22, 2017
Matera, Basilicata, Italy
Today, as expected, was a very full day. We drove 4 hours, walked over 5 miles, and saw 3 beautiful cities and what seemed like a hundred churches. 

The day started with breakfast as usual, not sure what we are going to do once we don't have this amazing buffet in the mornings; Dad is already dreading the return to his usual oatmeal . After breakfast it was a quick trip to the room to get ready, and then off on our journey.  

The first stop was Altamura, the city of bread. There was one place the Dad found online with the oldest oven in Puglia (it used to be run by the nuns of the monastery nearby, but in 1970 was passed to the family that runs it today. We were all anxious for some pane di Altamura, but unfortunately because it was Sunday, they only made a small amount and it was already gone. Disappointment, turned to gratefulness once Dad found a new restaurant nearby.  

The new restaurant, Tre Arche, was a small place with very little signage out front, there is no way that we would have found it without the help of Google (Thanks Googs). Tre Arche had an interior design that was a more modern clean take on the local "tufo" (limestone brick) architecture. This old made new idea was carried through in their food, everything was farm to table (from their farm) . It was run by a husband and wife (Mina e Pappino), but this was no mom and pop restaurant. It was a well run, immaculate place.  

The food at Tre Arche was delicious, and Mom was in heaven with all of the fresh vegetables. We all ate a giant lunch, which helped fuel us for the rest of our travels for the day, and before leaving Babbo made sure to take a picture with Mina (even got her autograph).  

After Altamura it was off to Matera. Where Altamura had old world beauty, Matera had ancient appeal. The historic part of Matera, the Sassi di Matera, is made up of 2 sections, the ancient caves of Basilicata said to have been among the first settlements of Italy (inhabited as far back as 7000 BC and the newer (only a couple thousand years old). Maybe it was because I just turned 10 months or because we were walking among these historic buildings, but it really made me think about my 10 months on this earth .  

At the top of Matera was a church, it was the most beautiful church I have ever seen. Every inch of the inside was decorated; I can't imagine the time it took to craft such a place out of stone. Outside the church I had a bottle and as I was eating some older Italian women came by and commented on how large I was "Loungo Bimbo" they kept saying. 

Next we were off to Alberobello. It was a long drive and everyone was tired, but we made it there and got to see the trulli. Mom, Dad and I took a picture in front of a Trullo restaurant. We bought some nuts and fruit from a local street merchant and then it was back to the Borgo.  

Everyone was tired so we just ordered a couple pizzas and ate in the room. Another great day in the books, off to bed. Tomorrow we recover with a beach/pool day before our long drive to Florence.  

 
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Comments

Monica Tarullo
2017-05-22

Oh my gosh Aiden IS getting so big. Beautiful pictures. Makes me want to eat some delicious Italian bread and pizza.

Grandma Tarullo
2017-05-23

We so look forward to Aiden's daily blog. Today's was especially interesting. I was fascinated by the architecture of the trullo and had to refer to Wikipedia to find out more about the odd cone shaped buildings that I had never seen.

Cindy Anderson
2017-05-23

Thank you Aiden for your amazing blog!! The pictures are so beautiful. What a lucky boy to be able to visit these beautiful spots!! Can't wait for your next!!xo

2025-02-16

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