Unparalleled in its diversity, Italy offers delights ranging from fine wines and exceptional cuisine to high art and great historical sites. The peaceful Puglia region in southern Italy is renown for its stunning whitewashed coastal homesteads, serene hills cloaked in olive groves and vineyards, and medieval villages connected by narrow, winding streets. During free time and on the weekends, allow the friendliness of the region to embrace you in the cozy sidewalk cafes and verdant plazas. Volunteers may be invited into the homes of students or teachers to reflect over coffee or dessert.
If you were to share a meal with a friend - you'll be served the Puglia region's trademark fare - local specialties of lamb, seafood, and orrechiette pasta - at your hotel and in local restaurants. While the food industry has changed the food sector in many parts of the world, Italian cooking still retains much of the traditions of fresh ingredients and preparations, but is still able to keep up with the pace of current society. Volunteers have been much impressed by the quality of Puglian cuisine.
Art is a big part of Italian culture, and not only visible in its museums. Colorful streets are lined with buildings of every shape, size, and color - often charactorized by huge arches and columns. Decorative windows, steps, and fountains are testimate to a wide variety of styles and tastes.
