Escape to myself

I arrived in Bari yesterday morning after a peaceful overnight crossing on the ferry. Arriving in Bari was not so straightforward as just as I reached passport control the system went down so I had to wait an hour before they approved manual entry. Schengen were waved through but I needed my passport stamped for re-entry from Albania but the guy stamped it quickly and I got through ok. He said UK was “no risk!”

I like Bari … it seems chilled. This week they are celebrating their Saint, Nicola, with processions, masses and fireworks. I’m sad I arrived too late for the processions but saw fireworks from the hostel balcony.

There is some great Romanesque architecture in the old town from the eleventh and twelfth centuries: massive and imposing churches at San Nicola and the Cathedral built when the Normans ruled here and in Sicily.

There is also an impressive Norman Castle

The backstreets are also great to wander through.

Now I will catch my train to Rome. I’m pleased I visited.