Mera was just a great host. She and her husband patiently waited for us and when we couldn´t find the way, they even came and got us. When we arrived, they greeted us most importantly with a smiling face and also a delicious cake, a bottle of wine, fresh fruits, local cheese named nodini and local delicates named taralli. She showed us around and gave us very good tips and information. We stayed her place during Pandemic but like many other Italians Mera was very cautious and relieved us with her precautions.
Mera´s place was wonderful and way better than it looked at the photos. There was an immense garden outside and a very comfortably designed patio. When we were there, it was fig season and they let us eat fresh figs from their fig trees. Apple trees, medlar trees, quince trees and of course olive trees... you name it. Also there were lots of fresh herb bushes and especially in the mornings the smells of them were amazing. We were just two people, my wife and me, but if you travel with children it would be a great experience as well, especially for the kids.
Inside, there was a spacious and luminous kitchen area and living room with fire place and two comfortable sofas. Because of Covid-19 we preferred to stay home and prepare our own meal and Mera´s very well equipped kitchen was really helpful for us. There was plenty of everything like dishes, glasses, pots and pans etc.. She also provided us eco-friendly cleaning supplies and unused, brand new washcloths and kitchen sponges. Really, not like ordinary airbnb kitchens. Also the table football was a joy for us for lazy afternoons.
Beds were very comfortable and she provide us everything spotless clean. Ironed sheets and snow-white towels were a relief especially during this times. We brought our own towels and linens from home just in case, but we did not need to use our owns. Bathroom and everywhere were spotless clean and Mera organized everything according to the Covid-19 regulations.
We were really anxious about going holiday during the Pandemic but we couldn´t find a better place. Thanks to their vast garden, we were just two of us. You may find empty beaches just 15-20 minutes drive away. The town of Cisternino just 5-10 min. drive away. The place was in the middle of the heel of Italy, so one day you can swim in Adriatic Sea and the other day in the Ionian Sea.
Mera also provided us detailed informations about beaches and places to visit which were very helpful for us. There was a lady in the neighborhood named Anna, who Mera recommended us. You may buy your fresh tomatoes, lettuces, eggs and nearly everything from there. She even bakes beautiful Italian bread focaccia. At the end of your holiday you may have some for home as well. Mera also recommend us a fishmonger who has the freshest fish. In short, just ask Mera and have the best answer.
The best part of it, they gave us their bbq grill and even provided us bbq coal. Coming home after swimming under the sun, eating fresh fish on the bbq with delicious vegetables which fruitful red soils gave you and chilling with a mouth-pleasing bottle of wine of the region, that´s something you can never forget. We will most definitely go there again and stay at Mera´s place again. If you choose her place, there is no way to regret.