Puglia: European Exoticism

Puglia: European Exoticism



While
I am usually drawn to wide, open spaces and the
opportunity to savour loneliness, I realised recently that my
longing for exoticism is multifaceted. For me, travelling is about
letting go of any familiarity in terms of colours, scents and
surroundings. It’s about embracing a place without any preconceived
notions of it.

People don’t tend to go to Italy for wilderness and solitude;
the country is known for its rich history, friendly people and
food. The first time I visited I did indulge in some preconceived
ideas of what I wanted to do – primarily eating fresh sea urchins
and endless plates of pasta – I also kept an open mind. A lack of
schedule left room for new opportunities and unexpected
discoveries.

I wandered the white town of Ostuni and the surrounding
villages, grilled locals about their favourite places and went on
winding drives without knowing where I would end up, often
stumbling upon the most special places along the way. I found
myself alone in centuries-old olive groves that seemed to drop into
the sea and lazed in coastal coves, chatting to locals and eating
crisp squid, my fingers shiny with olive oil.

It turns out that exoticism comes from your frame of mind, both
while travelling and before you depart. Courage, curiosity and a
little faith is far more rewarding that a list of things to tick
off in fear of missing out.

@morganeerpicum | www.morganeerpicum.com

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