Upon arrival into Rome we cleared immigration. Unfortunately the minimum age to use the electronic gates here is 14 years old so we needed to stand in the queue but it moved fairly quickly.
Once through we collected our bags and walked to terminal 1 where we are catching our next flight. The check in boards were not showing our flight so we got a drink and took a seat while sorting connections for our phones.
We checked in and cleared security before heading to the lounge Mark had booked for us. It was a very beautiful and stylish lounge with bartenders and attentive staff (I had my first Aperol Spritz of the trip) and delicious food. It was good to have somewhere quiet to rest before our next flight.
The time passed quickly and before long we were boarding our flight to Bari. It was a quick 50 minute flight, barely enough time for the drinks trolley to do its round. Once in Bari we collected our rental car and drove the approximately 1hr 15 mins to our villa for the week. As it turns out it was very fortunate we had not brought too much luggage as it was a tight squeeze into our vehicle – the kids had to have the parcel tray on their laps.
Melita, the Italian lady who met us at the property, showed us around with the use of google translate.
We settled ourselves in, had a quick change and swim (well dip) in the very cold pool and then headed towards Brindisi to a Co-op supermarket. It was huge and it seemed like everyone in the local area was there. School starts back on Wednesday here so lots of families were getting school supplies and their food for the week – we probably went at completely the wrong time.
We got supplies for dinner and a few things we needed for the villa before heading back and making ourselves a snack of cold meats and cheeses, bread, tomatoes, grapes and olives.
Everyone was fairly tired so off to bed for a good night sleep.