My Trip to Puglia, Italy - Part 5

“Cliffside beauty in Polignano a Mare, one last belt-busting feast and a flower welcoming parade from my kids. Puglia left me whimsical, inspired and plotting how to bottle its magic for our next interior project.”

If there’s one place that fully embodies the breathtaking scenery of Puglia, it is seeing the beauty of Polignano a Mare. Day 9 was dedicated entirely to sightseeing in that iconic spot and wow, talk about postcard-perfect. Crystal blue waters, dramatic cliffs and that enchanting old-town vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. I can see why this is also where they host the Red Bull Cliff Diving world competitions.

We strolled along the cliffside paths, snapping about a thousand photos and trying not to drop our phones into the Adriatic Sea. Everywhere we looked, there were quaint balconies overlooking the waves, homes with laundry fluttering in the breeze and little shops selling local crafts. Everything looked so picturesque and quaint. Who wouldn’t want to be here!

After one last feast (it was torturous at this point), we bid farewell to this gorgeous region. Day 10 was all about flying back home to Vancouver. The return trip was a bit of a blur! Security checks, boarding calls and in-flight movies, but my heart was already full, thinking about how we’d translate all we’d seen into fresh ideas for our clients and our own company.

Finally, we touched down at YVR. My adorable, munchkin kids surprised me at arrivals with flowers and their biggest grins. My forearm was still bruised, sure, but seeing their excitement made every twinge of pain worth it. There is no welcome like a hug from your kids, especially after a jam-packed (and food-packed) trip halfway across the world.

And just like that, the Puglia adventure drew to a close. Looking back, it was the perfect blend of whimsy, design inspiration and unexpected challenges (creepy hotel hallways and bruised arms). I can’t wait to share more details, pictures and videos on my social media channels. I’m already dreaming of my next trip to Italy. In the meantime, I’ll be designing spaces back home that capture just a fraction of that magic from Puglia.

If you have any questions or want more details about any of the artisans or places we visited, let me know, I’m an open book!