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What constitutes a good and faithful friend?
'Words are easy, like the wind; faithful friends are hard to find'- (W.Shakespeare)
I hope that while you are reading this, dear and precious friends will come into your mind and you will smile at the very thought of them.
When in 'my previous life' , I asked the children - 'what is a friend?'
They would always say that a friend is someone who makes you laugh, who listens to you when you are sad and doesn't 'tell' everyone if you have 'told' them something and someone who you always want to see - all of the time, but that, 'Mrs Dobson,' is not always possible. I think this applies to grown ups as well.
'Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.' Muhammad Ali
What is it about the characteristics of friends that they just understand you?
The last few weeks have been spent with friends. Jeff and I were delighted that they wanted to be part of our 'Italian adventure.' It meant that we would have valuable time with those special people who have been part of our lives for over thirty years.
I feel really fortunate that they have grown with us and have seen us through difficult and wonderful times in our life. These friends, are not part of your everyday life, but instinctively know if you need them, they would come running to your aid.
What I love is that they can 'tell' when you need to 'vent' or when you need to share, when you are happy and when you not. You can tell them things that you keep deep inside and this one person can help you through a dilemma. Our experiences through life help one another. The beauty of friendship is that it naturally works both ways.
So the last few weeks have been very memorable. Time together sharing and catching up on news and events that happened in our friend's' year' not just our adventures of 2016.
It's not just me - Jeff has loved it, for him being able to have a bit of desperately needed 'man time' was fantastic. Hearing Jeff laughing loudly with his mates and those he loves the most, sharing stories, 'being a little bit silly' and discussing everything, has been wonderful.
I just want to record 'some' of the memories.
Our first visitors were Kate, Martin, Janice and Andrew, we spent the week in a 'cottage' near Casteligion Florentino, near Cortona. It was situated up a long, steep, unmade track, that led to a rather beautiful stone built house in an olive grove. There was a swimming pool and lots of room. The views were absolutely stunning, but the truth be known it was a little remote and the rather treacherous track meant that a walk to a nearby bar was not an option. The week flew by, the evenings were spent playing cards and just enjoying each others' company.
Highlights of the week -
Cortona, a splendid hill top town, where we walked through the steep cobbled lanes looking at the sumptious leather and the charming shops, it was very easy to be tempted.
Montepulciano, is just a magnificent place to visit, the shops are full of local cheeses, meats and wine. Tasting is everywhere, as well as coffee shops, restaurants, art shops and a wealth of elegant palazzi, fine buildings, churches and panoramic views.
Sienna is a must, like the other places we went to, it was packed with tourists - it's easy to see it's attraction - a photo opportunity at every corner.
We went wine tasting at the very elegant Poliziano winery, in the most perfect setting and spent an hour or so tasting the most delicious wines you can imagine. Seeing Kate enjoying the whole experience and realising that she was quite partial to the expensive wines was priceless. A few purchases were made!
On recommendation we went for lunch at Guastini Trattoria in Valiano - there we had the most sumptious, local food - the steak was simply divine, a taste that lingered for ages.
The week both special and memorable and a good time was had by all.
Our next stop was Sant' Agata ,which is situated between Sorrento and Positano, where we met up with Ann and Nigel and Mike and Di. The plan was hatched in February when we were in Sorrento, Melbourne visiting Mike and Di -a few emails were sent to Ann and Nigel and everything was booked.
En route 'Iris' took us off the motorway a little early and we found ourselves in the back streets of Naples . Last year, I had seen' Italy Unpacked ' when Giorgi Locotelli and Andrew Graham-Dixon were on the back of a moped looking quite nervous while driving through Naples. Well, now I know why! We found ourselves in a rather 'dark' part of the city, where you didn't want to have to stop and ask anyone, anything! The busy unmade cobbled roads, were full of deep holes which were hard to avoid. The drivers appeared to be even more crazy that the usual Italian - they had the ability to smoke, use a mobile phone, gesticulate with their hands, honk their horns and drive, all at the same time.
So you can imagine that we were pleased to arrive at our destination. Sant 'Agata was a perfect location and we all met in Orlando Bar -a great place, made famous because of, Orlando the 'smoking cat,' his statue is in the bar. It became our meeting point. The weather was just glorious and although we were only there for a few days together, they were certainly action packed.
Highlights - the drive along the Amalfi coastline which is spectacular, but busy, tourists and coaches everywhere, I think we were all surprised by this. We hoped to stop at Positano but it was impossible to park. Jeff almost got arrested when he decided to overtake the queue, closely followed by Nigel. A very disgruntled local policeman, was to say the least not amused. Although Mike found it hilarious - once the situation was diluted we continued along the glorious coastline until we got to Ravello. It is perched high up above the town of Amalfi. This refined and polished town is known for its historical buildings, its gardens, its culture(DH Lawerence, Virginia Woolf and many others lived there), its stupendous views and is renown for its music festivals. I would love to return to the festivals that run over a few months and booked months in advance. It is breathtaking and definitely worth a visit if you are nearby.
Another highlight, was in a seafood restaurant in the old port of Sorrento - the waves were lapping on the quay, the hot sun shining, the sky was azure blue and we had the most delectable seafood/fish extravaganza. A truly memorable experience. Loved it!
The time passed quickly and we would have loved just one more day together, but we had to move on.
Our next destination was to Puglia in Southern Italy. It was a hard drive through rugged mountainous terrain, the roads were unstable and there were many bridges to cross and eventually as we travelled further south the landscape changed and was far more agricultural. It is apparent that some parts of the south are struggling.
Jan and Mark joined us for a few days near Ostuni. It was so lovely to see them. On our first night we stayed in a 'Trulli' ( Giovannarolla B+B)- a stone built house with a distinctive shaped roof, which are found in this area. It was tastefully decorated and a great find. The following day, after a great breakfast, we met up with Andy and Karen and Steve and we stayed in Citrignano Farmhouse in San Michele Salentino, near Ostuni. The farmhouse had two apartments, Karen described them as 'Alladin's Cave' -they had everything you could possibly want . In the front of the house there was a pool, lots of space, a covered bar, with BBQ and pizza oven. It was such a great design and that is where the fun began. There was lots of music, swimming, cooking, and the odd bottle of two of wine. We really enjoyed the space and the company.
Highlights-
Ostuni - 'the Jewel of Puglia.' Full of shops bars and restaurants, but the season was distinctly coming to a close and it was not as busy as we expected, considering that all of our other destinations did not indicate a seasonal change in tourism. It was hard to find shops open - the Italians do love a long lunch break, not conducive when trying to make purchases.
Our trip to Gallipoli was quite long, the roads were in a poor state and it was clear that many parts were suffering with the economic situation. Gallipoli is a picturesque fishing port, surrounded by high walls to protect it against attacks from the sea. It's famous for pirates, smuggling and the Mafia. We walked and walked and got a good feel for the place. Eventually we found a great spot to eat.
The beach resorts were closed as it was the end of the season, so we had to really look for top places.
Torre Canne near Ostuni, found a great beach bar and a fish restaurant, amazing grilled fish.
Locorotondo - very pretty, great wine and views.
Savelletin - fashionable coastal resort .
Local resturant in San Michele Salentino - fabulous local food.
I look back and just smile. It was lovely just being together and having some quality time.
Our next meeting with friends was more by coincidence. We were staying in an Agriturismo in Lanuvio near Rome and realised that Ric and Dianne were there for a short break. After a few 'whatsapps' and checking of trains our meeting was booked. We arrived in Rome and had an opportunity to see the alternative tour of Rome, as we had done the sights the year before. We explored the backstreets and found the most wonderful shops of every kind. We found a museum of Roman relics and we watched the sunset over St Peters from the roof top bar of Ric and Dianne's hotel. Although we only had a few hours together, it was such an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable evening. Ric organised the restaurant - good find Ric. I just love it when a plan comes together.
In short, friends are marvellous.
Since we have been on our own again, I have been quite reflective about our achievements this year. I feel lucky that very few people take a 'Year Out', especially 'grown ups.' So what was it for and what have I discovered. One thing is for certain I have found an inner calm and stillness, a time where I have been quiet and been able to process what has happened.
Having time to actually think. I have realised that in the past I have never really given myself time to stop and think about me. So over the next few blogs, I promise there will be a few more before our adventure ends - I am going to delve into what we have discovered from our travels, the impact it has had on us and what we have learned about ourselves and our adventures.
I hope I find you well and the weather is not too gloomy. Take care and love to you all. Thanks again for your support.
- comments
Kate Well my friend, life will soon be back to "normal life" but you will have change because of the past year, hold on to all you have experienced this year. Looking forward to having you home. X
Ric Piper Best Blog yet, Mrs D ! Keep 'em coming !! Lord Ric
Dianne&Ric Great blog. Keep them coming