a golden field

There is a golden field of sunflowers nearby. Its draw is irresistible, inviting you to stop a while and be present - to colour and beauty, to simplicity and the magic that is all around...

a favourite place

reward for effort

almost

Gave my new backpack (and boots) a bit of a trial run, almost 10km carrying almost 10kg. As usual Winnie got tired legs but now she has her very own doggy back pack. Think Colin would have preferred to carry my backpack rather than the Winnie-bago! But I need the practice and he doesn't.

Unfortunately only had Colin's iPhone again

elite cyclists

The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race goes right past our front door...

early morning walk

sun ripened

Apricots ripening on the window sill...

sunday afternoon snooze

a new year

My blogging has been sketchy of late so in 2018 I'm taking a break, kind of. Well making a bit of a change anyway. My aim for the year is to post one photo each week capturing something of the ordinary and everyday. A kind of visual diary of life for us here in Barwon Heads. I am going to focus on black and white, I have very little experience or understanding of this genre and it will be a great way to learn.

So here is the first offering, unfortunately taken on Colin's iPhone so the quality is crap, but the memory is priceless.

A 10 km walk to wear in our new hiking boots, someone got tired legs half way through...

talking and eating

That about sums up our last few days in Abruzzo. Well trying to anyway. The talking was less than satisfactory when Google translate was involved (but I am thankful that technology made it possible at all) and the eating goes on and on and on.

We loved being in Vasto. My cousin recommended a B and B in the old part of town. It was beautiful and like most old parts of towns sat on the top of a hill, and yet again we had a spectacular view.

Vasto is not too big but big enough. In the old part of town there are winding alleys lined with homes, shops, restaurants etc... (although a lot are closed now in the off season), the piazza is lit with Christmas decorations, the church bells ring regularly and the sea is a stones throw away. We have wandered the streets, perused the shops and been guided by my cousin to see some of the historical sights. We also visited the place where my cousin's olives are made into oil. We have marvelled at the snow capped mountains and the blue, blue sea. We have been welcomed with open arms into homes and been fed the most amazing food.

Pollutri is a small village sitting atop a hill, my father's family were share farmers nearby. Like the rest of Abruzzo the land is dominated by olive trees and grape vines; oil and wine.

We joined my cousin Anna and her husband Giovanni at the festival of San Nicola, an important annual event in Pollutri. It involves a mass, the cooking of fave (broad) beans in large communal pots and the sharing of the cooked beans. There is also a street procession with chanting and the carrying of a silver statue of San Nicola.

sorting the beans the next day

Once again family gathering to eat together around large extended tables was central. It took us a while to figure out the Italian rhythm of entertaining friends and family. First you eat lunch together, a multi course affair that begins around 2 and finishes around 5. Then you head out for a passeggiata  (walk). At this time of year it is dark by then and the Christmas lights and decorations blaze warmth and welcome in the piazza. After a while you return home for round 2 of eating and drinking. The evening finishes with liqueur (or for the Australians an espresso also)

my cousins vines in Pollutri