In the intensely cultural and labyrinthine quality of Bari’s “old city” (likely the only experience any tourist would desire from this town), the accommodations offered by Fabio and Terry have so many positive aspects, that it is hard to imagine a better deal. As the old city is dominated by its churches, and particularly by the pilgrim’s access to the church where St. Nicholas’s relics reside, it is paramount to note that Fabio’s is literally a three minute walk from the church. The residence is at the end of a cul-de-sac, which in the old city translates to a very quiet day and night-time escape from the hordes of scooters and motorcycles that plague a commercial and restaurant environment that requires import and export of all of the supplies any business and household regularly requires. The delight of the culture however is still present — the gathering from dawn thru evening of neighbors seated adjacent to their stoops, watching children or each other, and in every event communicating with each other. For variety and quality, a large number of excellent restaurants are within minutes of Fabio’s, and everything is by walking. For those who wish to make their own food, around the very corner is a fresh fruit and greens store, as well as a convenience store which offers eggs, bread, wine and yogurt, and a far greater variety than as listed.
Inside, the entry level is the full and well equipped kitchen, with dishwasher, full sized refrigerator and stove with oven. There is no microwave, but there is coffee and a toaster oven. Upstairs, one flight, and one finds the single but luxurious bathroom with jacuzzi tub, and the master bedroom as well as a porch opening onto a central courtyard. Another floor offers another queen bed, and finally one more floor, and a pair of twin beds. The spiral stair-case connects them all. For those without confident mobility the staircase should be a consideration. So clean and modern, there was a brief problem with the plumbing, but it was addressed and remedied within a half hour. All rooms, including the bathroom are equipped with television. And the dwelling of Fabio and Terry appears to be only twenty feet around the corner.
Our immediate love-affair with this old city was due, in great part, to the accommodations we enjoyed. If ever we come back, there is no hesitation that Fabio’s is the place we hope to occupy again.