Last Day

Our last full day here in beautiful Orsara.  It was fitting that some of us took the long walk up the mountain with our host, Peppe Zullo.  At the top, you almost see Naples!  What an amazing view of the southern part of the Italian Peninsula, breathtaking. 

Returning to the kitchen we are making focaccia, elderflower jelly - sambuco and biscotti soaked with vincotta.  Vincotta is a traditional treat found in the Puglia Region.  The last bits of the grape skins are cooked down for one last time to produce a syrup that is drizzled over desserts and sharp cheeses.  Again, the Italians are very resourceful and instead of tossing out the grape skins after being pressed for wine, they will put those skins to work one last time and produce something only found regionally.  

After lunch, we are treated to a private tour of Saint Michael's Church and Grotto.  It is always a pleasure to be in such a place of reverence.  No matter how many times one comes to this place, you are transformed in the wings of the angel.  


Our day ends with a special viewing.  In 2011, our tour group was part of a filming done by the University of Foggia.  As the film is nearing completion, we were treated by a special premier along with the locals.   The surrounding area, is truly growing and expanding in numerous ways.  The film was a testament to the bounty which is Puglia and paid homage to this beautiful town, Orsara our paese.