Stories from Puglia: Two Californians in Southern Italy captures some of the spirit of a region that is becoming more known as its history, beauty, and culture casts its spell on visitors and locals. This work of non-fiction is divided into chapters in which the reader experiences stories of culture and history both through the eyes of the writer and the inhabitants of Puglia. The adventure commences with a drive south, from Rome and continuing through the olive groves of Puglia. "Olives everywhere," the Californians complain until a local Pugliese, Bruno, begins to unveil the stories that give meaning to the groves. From biblical anointings to Greek immigration 3,000 years ago, the story of the olive tree in Puglia is the first step into a land that begins to reveal its secrets. The reader is a fellow traveller and adventure seeker as the Californians explore St. Nicholas in Bari, the mysterious symbols in Alberobello, what expats seek and find, a revolutionary in Otranto, dancing in Nardo' and sex, the cathedral, and the homeless man in Trani. The reader is along for the ride through a magical region that breaks one's stereotypes, enchants one's senses, and captures one's heart. AUTHOR: Mark Tedesco is a writer and educator residing in both California and Italy. Mark enjoys weaving stories connecting the present to the past and exploring longings expressed in relationships, events, culture, and history. Mark has written in the genres of travel, historical fiction, memoir, self-help, and children's fiction. His titles include: That Undeniable Longing, I am John I am Paul, Lessons and Beliefs: Learning to Love, The Dog on the Acropolis, The Words of My Father, Loving Hoping Believing, and She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome. Mark's newest Dixi Books title, Stories from Puglia: Two Californians in Southern Italy, transports the reader to southern Italy to explore that region known for its history, olives, hospitality, and rich culture. Puglia comes alive as two cultures, Californian and Pugliese, interact, intermingle, sometimes misunderstand but always enrich one another.
