Lecce, Italy

After the cave of poetry, we spend the rest of our day in Lecce. Taking a tour, walking around, eating pastries and gelato. I guess it is called the Florence of the south because of its architecture style. I can tell you one thing that it didn’t have in common with Florence is the hordes of tourist. Which is a good thing. It was said on our tour that just 10 years ago the city has been restoring the old buildings and I think in another 15-20 years more and more people with visit this area of Italy. If not only to try and get away from all the crowds in places like Florence and Venice and Rome. 

Quiet cities with cobblestone streets are a nice change of pace compared to the usual busy cities of Italy. We look a tour on the mini train which we had seen driving around. We got information from the tourist office in the city. I tried to look up info online but there was none. But the tour was one hour and cost 10 euro per person. You got an audio guide that went along with the stops. I think it was worth it to learn more about the city. Clark however fell asleep on the tour so he might have a different view of it. There are ruins of amphitheaters in the old city and amazing buildings and they even have their own Arc de Triumph. 

We had pastries from Caffe Alvino which was recommended to me but a local that I reached out to on Instagram. We got the local tradition pastries pasticciotti and rustico. I also had gelato at Crem - Maestri Gelatai Salentini it was pretty good but you can probably find better in the city. Can't seem to go to a European city without trying the ice cream they have to offer! 
love, Carlee

Puglia, Italy - Cave of Poetry + Sant' Andrae

We got to cliff jump in the most amazing scenic spot in Puglia, Italy which is the region that people know as the heel of the boot of Italy. I had seen photos of this place on the internet (how did people find cool places to travel before the internet!?! ) and it looked amazing and a stop that I for sure wanted to make.

Google maps leads you right to it and there is a little parking area on the side of the road. The cave is about 50 meters over the guardrail toward the sea. There are well worn footpaths so you can’t miss it and in the summer the cheery voices of people having a great time.

We jumped in first thing and the water wasn’t even cold it felt so nice. To get up there are steps carved into the side of the rock. Some people were walking down the steps to get into the water but most people were jumping from the cliffs. The water below isn’t actually that deep. When I reached far down I felt the bottom with my hands after a couple of the jumps. After we got our fill of jumping we changed into dry clothes in the car and made our way to Lecce, Italy.

Also some pics below of the Sant Andrea coast line area. It was beautiful with the white stone. Seriously the rock here is awesome and weird. I told Clark I thought maybe that’s what it looked like on the moon... he wasn’t so sure haha.

love, Carlee

Shirt: Target

Shorts: NEX

Shoes: Nike

Headscarf: from local vender

Grotta Palazzese Restaurant

Have y’all seen pictures on Pinterest or Instagram of this restaurant? I remember I had before we even moved to Italy. It was one of those places you see only and think that is beautiful but I won’t ever make it there. Well when we moved to Italy I had a couple friends from America send me the picture of the restaurant and say this is in Italy you need to go. So it was in the back of my mind. Well Clark had a long weekend for the 4th of July and lucky for us we got married on the 5th of July so our wedding anniversary falls right on a long weekend so perfect reason to celebrate. Also 5 years of marriage and 9 years together that alone is worth celebrating.

I made a reservation online a few days before. Luckily we are American and like eating dinner early and one of the last opening was at 6pm for July 5th so it was perfect. The restaurant has its own free parking with a free shuttle to the restaurant so you don’t have to worry about the hassle of parking in old town.

Once at the restaurant it is magical we luckily got one of the best seats and we were sitting all alone in a little alcove. Since our reservation was the first of the night, we along with others got there a few minutes before they opened and some people were lined up at the door. Basically wherever you are in line is your chance of getting a good seat. Not that any seat is bad but some are right next to the edge.

Anyways, fair warning... it is expensive like 130 euro per person. It was the most expensive meal of our lives but hey when in Rome right? The view and ambiance and live music and experience in general were worth it and the food was good. It was definitely a bucket list experience and I am so glad I got to do it with Clark on our anniversary. One we won’t forget for sure.
love, Carlee

Dress: Thrifted

Shoes: TJ Maxx