The container: casa mia.

My home in Sicignano, come to find out, is referred to as 'il container' by locals. Very much appropriate once you see it. One half of the container serves as the kitchen with a stove, sink, washer and a small table. The other half has two small bedrooms and a modest bathroom between the two. It's small, but cozy, and I can't help but feel like one of the Box Car children living in it.

Last winter Mags and I were appropriately named the "Snowing Twins" because all of the snow we had brought with us, so it's no surprise that this time I have been dubbed the "Rain Sister." Mamma Mia, what a wet, rainy and cold two weeks it has been. It feels more like Portland than Italy! And of course, normally by this time of year the temperature is well into the eighties.

Due to the less than cooperative weather most of my afternoons have been spent inside with Guesippina, Domenico, Antonella, Sabrina e nonna Antonella. Domenico and I have gotten into a routine of playing Scopa (an ever so popular Italian card game) and I try to make the most of my down time by studying a little Italian each day.

When the weather has allowed I've spent most my time working in the vineyard and planting veggies. So far we've planted tomatoes, peppers, celery, zucchini and potatoes. I can best describe my work in the vineyard as "cleaning house." I start by removing the old vines, then remove some of the leaves from the new vines, along with new vines that aren't producing fruit, and finally put any outlying or dangling vines back into place. I really enjoyed working in the vineyard, especially once I figured out what I was supposed to be doing.

Oh, I've also attached a picture of the new vineyard that Maggie and I planted last January. Proud to say that she's doing well and should be producing wine ready grapes in two years! Also, in our absence of last year Sabrina got married and is now expecting a baby boy (Domenico) at the end of this month!

Every day I eat lunch with Guesippina and family, same as last time, although I don't remember the meals being this big! At least this time I actually have the words to say "No more! Stop! Seriously, I'm full and can't eat any more!" The typical response to this of course is "Mangia, mangia!" (Eat, eat!), or "Carli, prendi un altro!" (Take another!). For this I am thankful that dinner is on my own and I have full control over what and how much I eat!

Most evenings are spent in Sicignano, or less frequently, in Zuppino (the town in which I'm staying) hanging out with friends just like no time had passed. It truly feels good to be back here and I can't believe the time has already come for me to be moving on.  Although the weather has been less than desirable, my time here has once again been unforgettable. All the thanks to Guesippina and family, all my friends, and of course, Gianpaolo. Tonight I head into Sicignano to say my goodbyes once again....until next time dear friends!!

Marmellata e formaggio e poi Sicignano.

My last couple days at San Cassiano were pretty mellow and included things like picking cherries, wedding here and there, making marmalade and finally getting to visit the dairy farm across the way.  I can't speak highly enough about Rosanna and her entire family. They were so welcoming and generous and I feel grateful to have been apart of their loving, ever-growing family. I will miss not only the people but the beautiful country side (and my daily walks), the nightly visits from the fireflies (which made me feel like I was living in a movie), working in the garden surrounded by beautiful mountains, Italian lessons given on paper table clothes during dinner and of course, the cooking!

Leaving San Cassiano and the relationships I had formed was a little saddening but knowing that my return to Sicignano awaited me made my departure a little easier. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning once I boarded the train for Sicignano. I grew more eager, and even a little nervous, the nearer the train got to Salerno where I was to be picked up by Gianpaolo. Naturally, I waited a little over an hour for him to arrive. Half expecting his tardiness, I had purposely left myself a few errands that I was able to accomplish in the meantime. I must say though, I waited the last fifteen minutes in the exact spot Maggie and I waited a little over a year ago and it made me a little melancholy not having her at my side. I miss you sister!

Finally, he arrived and it was as if we hadn't skipped a beat. He's still the same 'ol weird Gianpaolo and it was really great to see him again! We had plenty of time to catch up on our drive to the farm as I was quickly reminded how slow he drives while semi trucks whizzed by us on the l'autostrada.

I was not entirely surprised to find out that a new dwelling had been conducted on the farm, a place I would come to call home, and that I would not be staying in Sicignano. Naturally, I was a little disappointed being that the farm is about a mile and a half from Sicignano and my friends. But let's be honest, I wasn't about to let that get in my way and I surely haven't! Catching a ride to and fro hasn't proven to be a problem.

I saw most of my close friends the day after my arrival and it was nothing less than glorious! It felt like a dream to be back and to see everyone again, and not to mention to be able to properly speak with them. Ha, so much fun!! And once again M, not the same without you, and of course everyone sends their salutations. Tanti baci!!

The trek to Lago di Matese.

OK quick note: sorry I've been without internet for the past two and a half weeks and I've finally reached WiFi here in Siena so here are a couple updates! Hope all are well!!

We finally made it to the mountains on Tuesday! Our day started out with a quick breakfast at seven and we were out the door by seven thirty in order to catch the eight ten bus in Piedimonte to San Greggorio (the highest mountain town). We climbed, looped and swerved up a road that looked like it belonged in a cartoon more than anything just long enough to get me green in the face before reaching San Greggorio.

From there we found our way through this really beautiful, historic town and onto a old, seldom used road that would eventually lead us all the way to the lake. Talk about the perfect time to hike in Italy- the weather was perfect, the road and pastures were full of wild flowers and we were the only people to be seen besides a few sparse farmers. The trail took us up, up, up with some impressive views on the way, and finally after three and a half hours, dropped us into the valley and onto flat terrain where Lago di Matese peacefully sits in front of the highest mountain in Campanga.

We enjoyed our picnic lunch, the view, soaked up some rays and squeezed in an nap before beginning our hike back. Knowing we had missed the last bus from San Greggorio meant we were going to have to walk all the way back to the farm. For a little perspective, Piedimonte is the town in the background of the picture of Castello di Matese (town with the castle) and the farm is a forty minute walk from Piedimonte. There's also a picture of the peak the lake sits below taken from the farm. I think you can also vaguely make out Castello di Maltese and San Greggario. We walked over the second ridge and then down into the valley below.

We made it pass San Greggorio and reached Castello di Matese by seven completely exhausted. With only about an hour and a half of day light remaining and a three plus hour walk left we decided to try our luck at hitching. Having never hitched before I felt a little silly and vulnerable at first and then upset when someone would drive by with an empty car. Ha! Not knowing if the "thumbing" signal was universal we all started trying/making up different signs out of desperation! Alas, after our pride had been damaged by continual rejection and strange looks someone stopped!! We couldn't believe it. Even better, turns out the driver knew San Cassiano, is friends of the family and drove us all the way back to the farm. I couldn't have asked for a better first ride as a hitch hiker, but don't worry mom, I don't plan on making a habit out of it. I'll thank my lucky stars and hang up my hitching shoes on a good note! All in all it was a really long and great day and well worth every bit of soreness we endured the next couple of days!

Amica da Australia!

Well, it has been awhile since my last post and it feels like a lot has occurred since then so I'll do my best to remember the interesting bits!

Most importantly, a new WWOOFer arrived one week ago from today! An Aussie, from Perth, named Kathleen. She towers over me at six foot two, likes gelato almost as much as I do, and is constantly making me laugh with her weird Australian jokes and goofy personality. Needless to say, we have a good time!

The three of us have been using our free afternoons to explore the neighboring towns and countryside in search of new and interesting things. Earlier this week we journeyed to Piedimonte Matese to see the historic part of town, really beautiful, and also ventured to uncharted countryside. In town we ate gelato, went on a wild goose chase for vanilla (to bake a cake), got lost in the small alleys of historic town, took to tons of pictures (some are attached) and conversed with curious strangers.

Recently our jaunts in the county have been timed between passing thunderstorms, which leave as quickly as they roll in. Although there have been a couple days where the thunder rolled all day long and days like yesterday when the weather couldn't have been better. We certainly took advantage of yesterday's blue skies having planned a trek to one of the three lakes, Lago di Matese, in the mountains to the west of us (more to come on that adventure...).

On Saturday we got really excited because we thought we had been invited to a '"festivale" in San Potito. We got all dolled up in our city clothes and Rosanna's brother picked us up at seven thirty and drove us to town. Turns out it wasn't a festival, not even close! Oh language barriers. I'm still not even clear on the specifics but here's what I've gathered: there was an Italian author in town (name unknown) who wrote a book (title unknown) and was giving a lecture/presentation on sed book which lasted way too long for someone whose language comprehension is well below par.

The funny thing is at times I found myself looking at the speaker, nodding and even laughing at times when others were as if I knew what in the world was going on. Then I would think, "Shoot these people are going think I understand what's going on and if they try talking to me I'm going to look ridiculous! OK, look at the art on the walls...no don't, that's rude and makes it look like I'm uninterested..." The hour and half presentation went more or less like that and eventually I ended up pulling out my English-Italian dictionary and reading it. And even though the night got off to a slow start we ended up having a really fun night back at the farm.

I'll end with that bit and post more soon on our most recent outings to the mountain valley and cheese farm. Lots of love to all!!

Lucciola!!

Important to note: I saw my first lucciola (firefly) this weekend! So cool! And I was told that near the end of May the fields around here will be full of them. I hope I get to witness this phenomenon!

Hhmmm, what's new...A lot of last week was spent preparing for Andrea and Valentina's daughters baptism which took place this last Sunday.  Essentially that translates into a lot of really loud conversations and waving hand gestures over where to seat 130+ family members and friends, what to cook for lunch, bake for dessert and what to do in the case of rain. When Saturday afternoon rolled around and we were just beginning to dig tables out of spaces I didn't know existed, I started to feel doubtful that we would get things done in time. But of course we did and everything looked great!

Attending a baptism in a historic Catholic church was a pretty cool experience. Although I understood little translation wasn't really necessary. After the baptism everyone headed back to the farm for the biggest feast I've ever witnessed! My goodness there was so much food and everyone ate to their hearts content.

I met a lot of family and even more friends and by the end of the day my head was spinning circles from trying to speak Italian all day long. I have to say, trying to learn a new language is exhausting!

Most of Monday was spent doing absolutely nothing as most of us had burnt the midnight candle. However, Liz and I did muster the energy to cook up Shepard's pie that night which turned out pretty tasty. Then it was back to work Tuesday until late afternoon when a giant thunderstorm rolled in and it straight down poured, lightning and thunder included, for hours. I sat out under the porch and watched for a couple hours. Pretty great pass time.

Hoping to go on a hiking adventure later this week to three lakes that lie in a giant valley in the mountains behind us. Fingers crossed the weather cooperates for us.

Here are a couple pics I snapped on a walk!

Hope all are well, lots of love from San Cassiano!

Mamma mia, I love San Potito!

I woke up this morning to chirping birds, as usual, and to the all familiar sound of rain. It was quite refreshing considering the hot, humid weather we've had since I've been here. Don't misunderstand me, I'm loving the sunshine, it's just easier to appreciate the rain after a couple of really hot days! Once I realized it was raining I knew our task for the day would consist of chopping pruned branches into firewood. Not the most desirable job but I must admit I enjoyed it.

It didn't take long for the rain to pass and the ground to dry just in time for a little work in the garden before lunch. After yet another satisfying lunch Liz and I decided it would be a good day to walk to San Potito Sannitico, one of the neighboring towns to our farm, in search of gelato ;) Not only were we successful in our search for gelato we got to explore one of the cutest little towns I've ever seen! Every corner we turned and street we ventured down offered yet another photo opportunity. Needless to say I snapped lots of photos. Here are few that I think capture the essence of the town.

Oh, one thing to note, in San Potito there are a handful of really neat murals on some of the cities walls. They were drawn by one of Rosanna's nephews a couple of years ago and are pretty amazing.

OK ciao ciao for now! Love from beautiful, southern Italia!

Sono andata a fare una passeggiata.

Went for a walk last night, here are a few pictures of the southern Italian countryside. Molto bello.

One of the pictures is of Liz, the other WWOOFer, standing in a two way country road. Tiny!! How there aren't more accidents here is beyond me.

There are also a couple of the dairy farm across the way from us. In one of them you can kind of make out cheese being hung to age. Yummy! Apparently they give you samples if you go over and visit...might be heading that way tomorrow!

In another picture you can see one of the two towns that are up in the mountains just south of us as well as the highest peak (can't remember the names at the moment) in the Campagna region.

OK off to work in the garden!! Weeding, weeding, weeding....