The rain stopped and the sun came out early yesterday afternoon. After two cloudy, wet and chilly days, it was time to enjoy some time in.......a cave. How ironic is this one?
When we were planning our visit to Puglia, our hostess asked if we would like to visit a very special place not far from her home that we had not seen last year. She excitedly messaged back that she had purchased three tickets to "Grotte de Castellana" and we were all set for a tour in English. Was this going to be a fun excursion or were we going to be giggling the whole time at how we came to an area that is known for its beauty in the Springtime, for the way the sun plays with the clouds and the gentle breeze pushes the fields of poppies and makes them look like they are dancing and we visited a "CAVE"?? We were totally at her mercy and her enthusiastic approach was welcomed, easing our trepidations somewhat.
So, we hopped into the car, sat back, and relaxed as her husband, Pietro, expertly and swiftly drove us all to Castellana. Our "taxi". What a nice guy he is. He had the day off, as he had the day before, from his work because of the rain. He and his brother own a huge paving company and it appears that he's a hands-on owner and can only work in good weather. Must be an abundance of good working weather here because they are very comfortable in their lifestyle. God bless.
While waiting on the entrance line (we joined the folks at Door Numero Due, the English-speaking tour line), Mimma handed our wool caps. Told us it might be very cold in there. Then, she asked if either of us had claustrophobia. Huh? Nice time to ask.....we're going in soon. And then, she pointed to a woman who had been escorted out and seemed intent on getting as far away from the venue as her feet could take her. "Couldn't take it!". Oh great. I do have some issues surrounding enclosed spaces (and elevators, and total darkness, and lots of other related things). I told her that I always carry a bottle of "Calm" which of course she concluded was a controlled and possibly illegal substance. Not to worry, Mimma. I'll be fine.At that point, she reassured us that the caves were big, that there wasn't any real need to be concerned. Gee thanks.
The appointed time came and our group walked way, way down a big stone flight of stairs (hmmmm, we're going under the ground and what goes down, must come up. Elevators?) Our first stop was THE most gobsmacking, mind-boggling, positively incredibly beautiful, unreal cave with an open top, way, high up. We learned at that point, that the formations, the stalagmites and stalactites, were formed ninety one hundred million years ago (what?) when Puglia was submerged by the sea. I cannot even begin to describe this. I can tell you that the caves were discovered some time early in the nineteenth century by a man named Vincenzo Longo who was curious about what he had been observing (bats?) and he, along with some of his friends, ventured in. I cannot begin to imagine their bravery. Nor can I imagine the surprises that awaited them. Take a peek https://www.grottedicastellana.it/le-grotte/la-scoperta/. No use in trying to describe this. Our mouths dropped open and never closed as we traversed three kilometers, descending, ascending, and winding our way through narrow passageways from one incredible natural beauty to the next. The lighting is done well, making individual areas look even more dramatic. This went on for a full two hours, ending in the tour of the "White Cave", a stunning set of formations that look like icing, dripping here, there and everywhere. That cave is white because there are zero cracks in any of the walls that line it.
Our two hour tour passed quickly. Not one moment of claustrophobia or anything other than wonder and amazement. And, yes, elevators completed our ascension and our "taxi" showed up to whisk us back to our Casa.
Next trip, I am bringing a different laptop. I so regret that I can't post photos. But, the website has some really, really great ones.
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