It's hidden in there

What is that?
It's easy! Come on!

Right, it's paper.
BUT...
Last week in my blog "It's a kind of Magic" I was talking about what the great Michelangelo used to say: "the sculpture is already into the block of marble. The artist must only free it".

Well. Whichever thing I do to take out of this paper sheet a masterpiece this is the best I can do

It flies veeeery well, it's landing smoothly but it's far away from being a masterpiece.

In Apulia, the region I talked about in "Heaven", there is someone that even from such a simple and straight forward paper sheet is able to create something exceptional.
The "Cartapesta" (Papier-mache).

For its “cartapesta” and artistic craftsmanship, Lecce can be considered as one of the major cities in Italy. This cultural heritage is strictly linked to historical developments during the 17th and 18th centuries, right in the middle of the triumph of Baroque architecture.

“Cartapesta” began as a symbolic, sacred art in honour of Lecce, which was then the most sanctified city of the southern region of the Kingdom of Naples, owing to its great number of churches and convents.
During the following decades, the production of “cartapesta” embraced symbolic figures of every kind, such as those representing the lives of ordinary people.

It is in such an environement, full of history and legacy, that Claudio Riso has revived this ancient art, with his skilful use of simple and modest materials.

You can find all the "Made in Italy" features (what I really like) in the workshop:  - Il laboratorio del Maestro Claudio Riso is a family owned workshop, it has more of 25 years of experiences and all its products are hand-made and delicate.

You can see the "Sacred Art" (Nativity, angels) associated to local social life (who is producing wine, card players).



But he can also create customized products based on the special requirements or events. The Cartapesta is recognized as an artistic product.
You can find all the masterpieces in Claudio Riso's workshop (it: il Laboratorio di Cartapesta di Claudio Riso) where, during the year, he always gives « Cartapesta's lessons » to students who come in Lecce.

How is he able to do that?
Have a look at this video. You will be surprised.
Again a great story of:
-Talent
-Passion
-Immagination
the reasons why Italians are (or should be...) known around the world.

Heaven...

Being home on holidays for some days is always a good thing.
Spending "high value time" with your family doing the things you like is quite addictive and makes me start planning my next holidays.
In this Blog I would like to share with everybody some information about places in Italy that are outside the normal Venice-Florence-Rome trip.

Let me then open this 2014 with a Post about Holidays.
Today, in this wintry, rainy and cold day I would like to talk about... SEA!

And this is the type of sea I like...

Where am I?
Is it Barbados, Caribbean islands or some "in the middle of nowhere" place?

No. This is Puglia (Apulia).

The easternmost town of Italy, the first to see the dawn of the new world, the enchanting landscapes of olive trees, the dry stone walls, the coastal towers, the historic farms, the white towns, the national parks, the ancient underground olive-presses, festivals and religious holidays, crystal clear sea, golden beaches, deep reefs, unforgettable sea bottoms, the local traditions and the ancient crafts, tasty food, beautiful little towns, all of this and much more is Puglia!

Taking a trip to Puglia it means to immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere, in which the visitor is captured by the many and varied attractions that this country offers.

Have a look at Gargano, the northest side of Puglia. If you have decided to visit Gargano, one of its tourist attractions are definitely its long coastlines and especially the coastline that goes from Vieste to Peschici characterized by "strange buildings" called “trabucchi”, 

that is old tools for fishing no longer used and converted into restaurants or tourist attractions becoming part of the "Gargano National Park".

If you love the sea and the white sandy beaches, so let's visit "Mattinata", known as the Gargano's butterfly, so called because it is placed on a hill like a white butterfly on a flower, in a typical Mediterranean landscape between olive trees, almond trees and prickly pears. To avoid losing these wonderful places, it is better to organize your holiday by entrusting to reliable online incoming websites, such as www.pacchettievacanze.it (see also their FB and G+ links) which is specialized in Puglia and offers accommodation, holiday packages, tourists guides services and even more.

Have you ever heard of "Trulli of Alberobello?" 

World Heritage Site since 1996, they are typical  buildings erected in the dry without the use of mortar, which end with a particular conical roof. Do not miss the chance to stroll the narrow, winding streets of "Rione Monti" and "Aia Piccola"

and live the experience of staying in a real trullo, catching some good deals as those proposed by www.pacchettievacanze.it.

Otranto, the easternmost town of Italy, it is the first Italian town to see the dawn of the new year. This ancient village, surrounded with the majestic walls of the castle, after knowing the "fear of the Turks", it reveals to visitors telling its stories through the architectural and historical beauties, such as its Cathedral with the majestic mosaic pavement and the chapel of the Holy Martyrs of Otranto, the Castle, the Ramparts, the small church of San Pietro, important example of Byzantine architecture. Live its charming history, discover its alleys and narrow streets looking for panoramic views and small jewelry, let yourself be guided by an expert guide to give voice to this ancient village.

This will be my summer destination... anybody wants to come with me?

Have a nice week end