There’s an Italian proverb: “A chi vuole non mancano modi.” Its closest English translation is “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” An ode to the grit and determination of Italy’s people, it’s far from the passive (and clichéd) concepts of “la dolce vita” or “il dolce far niente” so praised abroad. 

Yes, the country has a much better balance of work and play than elsewhere, but here, effort isn’t sacrificed for ease. There’s nowhere that demonstrates this better than the region of Puglia–after all, the heel is the most important, and hardworking, part of a boot.