In Italy. Temperature today was a lovely humid 24 degrees,
with a soaring prediction of 37 for Sunday. I am seated in the lush, spacious
living room of a friend of Marilu’s with a seaside view in Bari, with a plate
of parmesan chunks, tomato slices, green olives and some salami for dinner.
Couldn’t find a bottle opener for the 2.30Euro red wine we bought.
Seriously
though, staring at one of the walls of wine bottles at the supermarket, all
from Italy with barely a single distinction aside from the price, I opt for the
cheap and seemingly appealing one on the bottom shelf, assuring Jay that if its
bad I’ll just add coke, a habit from Argentina, and also quite commonly done in
Spain, a popular drink called calimocho.
I actually am finally getting some assignment work done,
leaving Jay and Marilu to the family evening, which I experienced last night on
arrival in Italy. Their welcome and dinner was great, and much appreciated. I
know they really enjoyed seeing Milla for the first time too.
Before leaving London I managed to get to the Natural
History museum, and Harrods, and I even had a lovely dinner with long time
friend Michelle, who is nannying for her sister in Richmond, quite a nice area
where we met for tea. It was a great catch up and final evening there, chatting
about recent adventures, the future, current events in New Zealand, and old
acquaintances. Michelle is one of those great, life-long mates who always makes
the effort to get together, no matter where we meet, I always come away feeling
super happy, gratified in having such a quality friend, brilliant!
Today, after a lovely bite for breakfast at the family’s
apartment, we left Marilu to sort flowers with her sisters and mum, and Jay
took me around the old town of Bari. It was super, as he is an awesome tour
guide, and hasn’t had much chance, since my arrival in Europe, to show me very
much. We got lost in laneways and had an espressino in the piazza near the
Catedral di San Sabino. He drove me south toward Brindisi *, where we wandered
around and had lunch with a stunning view of the Mediterranean. The cliffs and
caves begging to be explored but choked by the dark turquoise sea, Spotted
along rocky outcrops and clustered in the small bays of pebbled beaches lay
lots of sun-browned skins, very little clothing and lots of tan. The sea
inviting, but my white backside forgot togs in the apartment. Won’t let that
happen again in a hurry!
I can understand the enchantment with Italy and the
Mediterranean seaside countries. I can see the beauty in the ancient, square
brick buildings perched on the edge of the magnificent water, the blazing sun
converging on the oiled bodies of all inhabitants stretched out facing its
splendor. Have I mentioned the food?
