Caroline Groszer is still dealing with logistics and last phone calls, even though the G7 has now ended and the world’s greats have left: she (59 years old, Swiss, but Apulian by adoption) hosted the press center of German journalists who covered the G7, a few kilometers from Borgo Egnazia, the resort in Fasano (Brindisi) these days at the center of the world.
The visit of Olaf and Britta Scholz
“It was exciting. An event like this doesn’t happen every day. As it’s not every day that we get to experience the G7 more closely, with one of the “greats” who came to visit us. It happens once in a lifetime. I didn’t expect it», she says satisfied. The German embassy, in fact, chose “Alchemy” as the base of action for around sixty journalists. And German Chancellor Olaf Scholz himself, once a day, held a short press conference, from his arrival (Thursday 13 June) until his birthday (Friday 14). And also this morning (Saturday 15th) he answered journalists’ questions, shortly before leaving.
«I really liked Puglia», confirms Caroline. Britta Ernst, Scholz’s wife, also appreciated this region and as soon as she arrived she treated herself to a brunch in the “Alchimia” trullo, a few kilometers away, in the Fasano forest. «She enjoyed the classic Apulian appetizers – says Caroline -. Something simple and fresh, also because the time available was very little. What did you like most? Everything we find on our plates every day. And above all mozzarella and capocollo from Martina Franca.” And, again Caroline, she fulfilled another of Britta’s wishes: a bike tour among the Apulian olive trees. «She is very sporty and she asked for this – she continues. So we organized the tour, with guide Mimmo Bellini. Then, immediately after, she went to eat. The feedback was all positive. It was a wonderful experience for us.”
Caroline and “PugliAPP”
Originally from Bern, Caroline moved to Puglia in 2002, in love with «that fortunate combination of elements, which ensure that there is music in the air: sea and countryside together, gastronomic delicacies, culture, history, breathtaking countries». Before choosing the region that hosted the G7 this year, you lived in Germany, Switzerland, Prague, New York, London and Milan. But only the city of Fasano managed to conquer her, “the heart of Puglia” – as she defines it – and these days under the international spotlight. This is where she Caroline decided to live. Not only that: this year you founded “PugliAPP”. «She is doing very well and many people are dumping her-she concludes. It is an app designed to accompany anyone who wants to discover this region. Here there are, in addition to the most famous places, also those outside the traditional circuits. It is a journey in “central Puglia”, from Montegrosso (Bat) to Nardò (Lecce). As well as excursions, festivals, artisan workshops, museums, shopping tips.”
Caroline is in love with a specific part of the region, which she defines as “central Puglia”. This is where Switzerland moves and renovates ancient buildings and ruins, turning them into boutique hotels. It is here that she spent twenty years of her life and raised her son, who arrived in Puglia at just two months old. It is here that she wandered around shops and restaurants, deciding not to leave again. But her passion for this land has a peculiarity: wanting to transfer beauty to other people who visit Puglia, starting with her clients. And, this week, also to the greats of the world.
