Spirit of Discovery blog

When we were in Ancona I sat of on my saddle and tried to conquer the road but some few kilometres away from our beautiful Spirit of Discovery there was a sudden change of weather. Yes, it was cold when I got off our ship but it became foggy that I barely see my hands on my handle bar so I turned around and better be safe.

Another port done, Bari, an old town centre nestled around the harbour and the vast residential and business area spreads out from this point into the mainland.

Yesterday, since we had only short port stay myself had not much time to roam around this time so I had to go back in time when I have been in Bari and here are some of the few interesting scenic places among the plenty which myself have visited when I had more time. The Old Harbour and Lungomare Nazario Sauro.

Approximately 1000m from the harbour to the Parco per Cani and offers a truly scenic patch of promenade to enjoy in the Mediterranean sun when weather permit. Quite a long stretch of walk and a good cardio exercise.

The Basilica of San Nicola and San Sabino Cathedral. Bari is renowned for its fantastic design, opulent interior, and is an important place of pilgrimage for Roman Catholics in Europe.

In terms of food, Bari is known for his pasta - Orecchiette or Strascinati (strascinate, in the vernacular of Bari) Cucina Povera (literally translated as 'food of the poor''), a cuisine that is simple and tasty and uses only seasonal and local ingredients. Strascinati pasta is made without using eggs, only durum and water and shaped like small ears. You’ll see nonnas creating them across the city and in the specialty family-run restaurants. The shape is perfect to collect the sauces that Bari is famous for – made from the freshest local vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes and mushrooms and given an extra zest by Puglia’s plump olives. Yummy happy tummy!

Too bad, I have missed my pasta this time but surly we will be back one day in this beautifully part of Italy.

One last look out of the Porthole, before I have to return for duty and will enjoy a taste of the famous afternoon tea on board Spirit of Discovery.

Dirk Roessler, Food & Beverage Director