I have never done something so frightening in my life. Everyone always talks about the beauty of places and how much something can capture your breath, but until you have experienced it for yourself do you really know? I have practically pulled an all nighter between two plane rides and a long drive further south to our destination in Puglia, Italy and I am still inspired to write about my discoveries so far, because truly the life here is changing all of us at a glimps. 

Masseria Le Mandorle 

The Masseria has welcomed its third batch of CIA students with open arms. Everyone treats us so kindly here and they have done immense work to prepare for us. The rooms are chic with slight rusticity and each with its own personality. Many rooms have a small balcony that over look the distant villages in Puglia; the terrain is so evenly lit at night. There are so many levels and passage ways throughout the Masseria. The courtyard, rooftop lounge, and the private garden in the shape of a perfect square. 

I have always loved goats and sheep and was lucky to land a room with a view. They also come loaded with sounds that will probably keep me up for the next month and half. I do think they are absolutely adorable though!

Beautiful citrus trees scattered about the yard.

Mandorlina, she is the cat that roams the grounds. She sneaks into our room and hides under the bed! Her name means little almond.

We all gather around one long table next to the fire place for dinner each night. The chefs at the Masseria cooked us our first meals today and they were truly wonderful. The olive oil here is quite potent and bitter. Puglia is known for producing olive oil with evidence as you drive hours down the highway through Puglia where olive groves line either side of the road. After a lunch of pasta, boiled potatoes and tomatoes, and thinly sliced meat with tuna sauce (so good), we gathered back for dinner to have another pasta and potato meal. Soup with greens and spaghetti, stewed beef and boiled potatoes, and then Panatone with chocolate for dessert.