April 8, Wednesday
No lunch at Mafalda's today, so had a bit more relaxing morning and didn't go catch the bus to Caputo's until around 3:30. Was a great day. Got my mail this evening and had a wonderful bag of goodies from my daughter... belated b'day, early Mother's day. Loved getting these things... what a treat, since so many of these I am unable to get here.
Marco brought Freda and I back to our respective homes around 8pm.
April 9, Thursday
Had a Chiropractor appointment at 11 this morning. I was unable to sleep last night, so when I needed to get up this morning was a real struggle. I didn't get out of the house until 9:45 and knew it would be a close call to get to bus stop and catch the bus, so I had to really scramble. Just as I was about 100 yards away from the stop, I saw the bus arriving. Who says old, overweight, ladies can't run?? Two Polizia were observing this... I'm sure it gave them something to share with their cronies :) . My Chiro is returning to America to visit his mother, so won't return until the end of the month. Hopefully, I won't need him before then :) ... no more crashes!
I walked all the way back, about 4 miles and listened to my Italian lessons the whole way, in between taking lots of photos on this gorgeous sunny but windy day.
April 10 - 16
Friday 10th. Phoned Danny and had great chat. He and Hansruedi will be at my place for lunch on Monday 20th. Very happy about this. Damiano thinks he will be able to come also. This will be wonderful if he can. He has met Danny last December, but has not met Hansruedi.
Saturday 11th. Laundry, clean house, go to the market. Then for a nice walk through Bari Vecchio.
Monday 13th. Yesterday we made plans that I would prepare a Mexican dinner on Sunday, May 3rd, so decided, I better start scouting for some things I need. Marco had told me about a shop on Crisanzio, about a 45 minute walk for me, so first thing I decided to go check it out. It was not open. I had been wanting to go to Ipercoop, a large market here, but far from my place, so decided to catch the bus and go there. Had a great time shopping, as it was virtually empty... most people were at their 2 and 3 hour lunchs. Also very happy that I found so many things to use for the Mexican dinner. Was a little concerned about bringing so many bags on the bus, but was no problem and this particular bus stops just feet from my apartment, so made it very nice! Great day!
Tuesday 14th. Still needed some things, that I wasn't able to find yesterday at Ipercoop, so went back to the market on Crisanzio. Shop still not open. Since I was in that neighborhood, took advantage and checked out a lot of other shops. I found a very nice dress shop and had a great time. I bought some new threads!! Just in time... all I had were winter clothes and felt really nice to have few new spring things. After I returned home, I mixed and matched with the clothes I already had and decided I still needed a few things, so went back to some more shops closer to my apartment and found some lovely skirts! They are hard to find here, especially for tall people. Was very happy with my find! Even stayed up late and washed everything, so it would be ready to wear.
Wed 15th: The usual today, however, since it is Spc Mtg time here in Bari, I did not go to Mafalda's for lunch. This gave me a little more time to get things done and then catch the 3:30 bus. We had 8 ministers in our meeting this evening!! It was very wonderful. Almost doubled the size of our normal group, which is usually around 10, sometimes 12.
Directly after meeting, Maria had a phone call that Dominico had just then passed away. He has not been well and has been in the hospital, more than once, this last month. Nice that so many of the ministers are here in the area at this time.
Caught the bus about 7:30 to bring me back home. Depending on whether I catch the #1 or #19 as to where I get off, and how far I have to walk, but I really like walking the promenade along the sea in the evening. Makes for a great restful return after church.
On my ride home on the bus I received a message from Damiano: "Hi Carmen. Still celebrating?" (my birthday). Me: "Sì!" D: "I've a present for you!" Me: "Veramente? (really?) D: "Sì" Me: "Scommetto che posso indovinare"(I bet I can guess). D: Indovina (guess) . Me: "Io non devo pagare l' elettrico supplementare" (I don't have to pay the extra electricity). D: "No, more precious". Me: Okay, now I am very curious. Dimmi, Dimmi (tell me, tell me)
And that was the end of the conversation... I am still anxiously waiting for his reply :)
Thurs. 16th
They have scheduled Dominico's funeral for Friday. My original plan was to go help Mariella prepare lunch and dinner on Friday for all those visiting for our Special meeting. Since someone has to take care of Nonna, I offered to stay so Mariella could go with the family and attend the funeral. I did not know the man, and had never met him. The one time I was scheduled to travel up there with Freda, he had gone to the hospital, so we did not go. This is two funerals here since I've arrived and I did not have the privelege of meeting either one before they passed. I understand they both were wonderful people and it would have been nice if I could have met them.
Today, I caught a different bus route and went to the other side of Bari. Learning new routes and better connections every time I venture out, which is every day :) Was on a mission today, or I would have gone to the beach and taken some sun. I sat by a lady on the bus who was very friendly and we started visiting (in Italian I might add !!! I am getting better....) Very nice lady and is always nice to 'connect' with different people. Depending on the time of day, and the route as to what type of riders I encounter :) Sometimes..... well let's just say they have to get around the city too ;)
Spent a fair bit of time cooking and preparing things to take tomorrow also.
Did my studies, my walk and all in all it was a productive day. Gorgeous and sunny... love these days. Still have not heard from Damiano about what 'the present' is.
Friday 17th. Got up and around earlier to catch the bus out to Caputo's. Arrived there about 9:30. Cristina and I spent the rest of the morning, bathing, dressing the sores, changing the bedding, etc. for Nonna. We had just sat down outside in the beautiful sunshine for about 10 minutes when the folks returned home just after 12:00.
Due to the funeral this day, there was a change of plans, so no big lunch to prepare. Mariella prepared some meat and I prepared my usual potato skillet. Just as we finished eating, David, Enrico, Maria and Annamaria arrived. They had eaten a bite along the way, but were still a bit hungry, so they sat down and finished what we had. I had made some Rice Krispies bars and they really liked those! Finished lunch and cleaned up the dishes, then raced over and caught the bus to head back to my apartment. The closest I've ever came to missing it.... had just climbed 50 steps up and crossed over the freeway, and saw the bus coming down the frontage road almost to the bus stop. I ran down the other side 50 stairs down, and just as I got to the last step, the bus stopped and opened the doors, so close to the steps, that I never even took the last step down, just stepped from there onto the bus, and the doors immediately shut behind me!! That was close!
Since I am planning to take some things to Mafalda's on Sunday for the dinner after church, started doing some prep work for that.
Saturday, 18th. Busy day doing the usual cleaning, laundry, etc., then cooking for Sunday at Mafalda's and prep cooking for Monday also, as there will be three guys at my house to feed... want to make sure they get plenty to eat :)
Sunday 19th. Special church day.
Woke up at 4am... ugh. Hate when that happens. I really needed to get more rest, as I knew it was going to be a very long day. Marco picked me up about 9:15 as I had too many things (food, etc) to transport to Mafalda's to go by bus.
There were about 30 of us for church today and it was very special. Davide, Enrico, (Lavorno) Hansruedi, (Venice) Danny, (Rome) Freda, Maria, Esther (Sicily) and Annamaria (Pescara), as well as the locals and surrounding area.
Monday 20th (my mother's birthday... she would have been 91 years old. Been 8 years this year since she passed away....still miss her)
Up and at it. Lots of cooking to do and still needed to make a trek down to the market for some fresh fruits and veggies. On my return from the market, they had the most beautiful flowers at the corner of my street, so I couldn't resist, and it was only $3.
I finally found out what the present was Damiano had for me. My late birthday present! Almost two weeks ago, he had sent me a message, asking if I was still celebrating my birthday. Of course! Who doesn't want to celebrate for a month :) . Anyway, he said he had a present for me, so I am thinking it has to do with the apartment, so I started guessing... things that I have expressed I would like in my apartment that I could really use, but he replied, "no, more precious", then didn't tell me what it was. So for days, I have been trying to guess and my last guess was an oven, because his last note had said.... "would it fit in my apartment?". That was just a trick question :) ... and it worked... I sure wasn't expecting what it really was...
This beautiful necklace was made of Jade by a local artist. Beautiful piece, but as most of you know, jewelry is not a great interest of mine, but it sure is beautiful and what a thoughtful gesture on his part. I surely didn't expect anything from him, however, he is such a gentleman and I couldn't have found a nicer or more concerned landlord. He is always looking out for me making sure all is okay. He seemed to really enjoy meeting Danny (Holland) and Hansruedi (Switzerland) and having lunch here with them. We had a great time visiting. This morning, I received this note of thanks from Damiano, "Carmen thanks a lot for the fantastic lunch. I felt at home eating American food with a Swiss an American and a Dutchman in Italy... was priceless! 
"
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Was invited to Caputo's for lunch today, however, the last few days have been so busy, I just couldn't get my act together in time to catch the bus out there that early, then come back and catch the train to go to Capurso at 4:00, so I decided not to go both places today and go only to Capurso.
Caught the train around 4pm to Capurso. After I arrived there, I wasn't real sure if I would remember all the streets I needed to walk to get to Pena's home as all the other times, I had been with Freda and Maria and just followed along, not paying much attention, but my 'old brain' didn't let me down. I walked directly there as if I knew exactly where I needed to go, so my subconscious must have been paying attention before, even if I wasn't.
Speaking of which, I am going to go traveling a bit now, since I have my Permesso.
Getting excited for this journey. The Tour Group I will be with is actually an American group (this makes me happy!!) and because of this, all the tour guides at each of our stops will be English speaking! Yeah!! More about this later...
After dinner and a lovely, but long, evening, Mario brought us back to our homes in Bari. I went directly to bed. Poor Freda still had to pack as she was leaving for Sicily tomorrow morning at 8:30. She'll return in about 10 days.
Wednesday, April 22
Nice rest and woke up 'naturally' around 7am. One of the best things about being retired... only rarely do I have to use an alarm clock, mostly just on Sundays, when I sure don't want to miss my bus.
Leisurely morning, studying, computering, ordering online (jalapeno's for May 3. Hope they arrive on time). Now, I better get moving, as I need to catch the bus in a couple hours out to Caputo's. Arrived a bit early at Cristina's and had some time to spend with the children. I love these kids so much. Helps me not miss my on granchilden as much, since they seem to really like hanging out with me.
Thurs, 23rd
Gorgeous sunny day. Walked to the bach around 3:15, then rode with Annamaria, Maria and Luigi to Madugno. Also, Mafalda came with us this evening. When we returned, I got out at the bach and walked half hour back to my apartment. It was such a lovely evening. Everyone else must have thought so also, as the traffic was so backed up that as Luigi continued down the same street as I was walking, I ended up passing him twice! Was a great walk, but now that the weather is so warm, I get plenty warmed up, especially walking at such a rapid pace!
Friday 24 Up early (with an alarm clock, ugh!) Now off to catch the bus to Caputo's and go to the farm with Nicola.
Before and after pruning. What a great spiritual lesson. John 15:2
The old house where his parents used to live. All seal up now and no one has lived in it for several years. However, he still maintains the orchard of Olives and Figs here on the property.
Okay, I am a bit scratched and bruised, but that felt great to do physical work! Nicola pruned the olive trees and I drug up all the brush and piled it. We arrived at the farm before 9am and left about 1:30. That was enough for me for my first day :) . Mariella had a great lunch prepared for us when we returned to the house. Liliana was there also and Cristina. After lunch and dishes (3pm) Liliana had to to go work, so I caught a ride into town with her. She offered to drop me at my apartment, however, her work is about a 20 minute walk from my apartment, so I chose to walk from there. I am glad there weren't too many people out and about at that time as I was definitely a mess... hair going every direction, clothes very dirty :) . A shower never felt so good when I arrived home!
After taking a bit of a rest, I did a few things around the apartment, then at 7pm I did a load of laundry. Of course, by the time it was washed and dried, it was 10pm, so off to bed for me.
Saturday 25th.
What a great rest last night and sleep-in this morning! Gorgeous sunny day, so can't wait to finish my housework and studies and head out to the sea!
Sunday 26th - Wednesday 30th. The usual. Wednesday afternoon I headed to Nicola's. Mariella had gathered snails from the garden to prepare for dinner. You can't really see how deep this jar is, however, there were lots and lots of snails... perhaps 50-75.... not sure. They whole time Cristina is saying yum, yum... hmmm. I have had escargot a few times and will say it is not bad if prepared properly. After church caught the bus back into my apartment and a nice walk along the sea.
Thursday 31st, multiple trips walking around town to many different markets to find things I need to prepare Sunday dinner at Nicola's for about 2 dozen people. At 2pm, caught the bus to go to the chiro and had just a few minutes to spare (15), so stopped off at the Lab of Luigi. After my appointment, headed back home, but was such a gorgeous warm day, I just had to have a gelato.... yummy!
I had promised Marco that the next time I prepared a luncheon, I would prepare a Mexican meal, so here it is! It seemed to be a success.
Ground beef tacos, Shredded beef chimichangas, shredded chicken & cheddar cheese enchiladas, Shrimp Fajitas, black beans and spanish rice. As well as fresh homemade salsa, layered bean dip with chips, and fresh made guacamole.
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Cristina's folks are visiting from Greece. Her mother is GREAT help!!! Thank you Tula!
After lunch was finished and cleaned up at Caputo's at about 4 o'clock, I had Marco take me and all my pans, jars, etc. back home and also to take another shower, before evening church, since there was a lot of cooking and last minute preparation, it just felt good to change out of those clothes. Anyway, around 5:00, I headed to the bus stop and caught the bus over to Luigi's, arriving about 5:30. I wanted to dropped a plate of food off for him, since he was unable to stay for lunch. Then he and I headed to Mafalda's for the 6pm meeting. After church, I went back to Caputo's to visit with Cristina's folks a little before catching the bus and returning to my apartment a little after 9pm.
Was a very long, but rewarding day. Also, decided to do a load of laundry before I retired, so didn't actually get to bed until close to midnight. Oh well, sleep in tomorrow.
Monday, May 4, 2015
Didn't actually sleep in, however, got up at my usual late hour :) . Now today, busy, doing paperwork, first of month things, and packing. I have been wanting to continue my tour of Europe since I arrived here, however, as I was waiting for my Permesso, I just stayed put on Bari. Did have a wonderful 3 weeks at Christmas time in the North of Italy in the Dolemites, but otherwise, just hung out here in Bari through the winter. Now it is spring and I have my Permesso, so off I go.
Here is the plan:
I have a couple more days here to get organized, then Wed. I will go to Caputo's for church and then stay the night with them, as they live close to the Airport and Marco goes that direction on his way to work and will drop me off.
I will fly to Amsterdam via Milano, where Ursula Martin, and perhaps some other of Danny's friends who live in Holland, will meet up with me for a couple days before I actually join this group tour on the afternoon of May 10th in Haarlem. Also hoping to get over to Belgium one day... either Friday or Sat. before the tour starts. Was sure hoping to meet Danny's folks while I was in Holland, however, they are currently visiting his brother who is in South America and so I will miss them this time. Perhaps I'll be back there again some day...
Anyway, more about all this as it happens. I will try to post pictures to Facebook as I go (sorry to those who do not follow facebook), but I will blog it all when I return the first of June.
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015
Went to bed waaayyy too late this morning :) . Was updating computer stuff. This has to be the most time consuming thing ever! Oh, well, didn't have to get up early today, so all is well.
Then I made Mexican Eggs for breakfast! Haven't had these for a few years... and even though I did not have bacon, they were still yummy! Still on the Mexican food kick, I guess.
Now more computering and packing, sorting etc. Hard to pack everything for 25 days in one 9x14x21 inch suitcase (clothes, shoes & personal items!). Sure hope we have laundry access, otherwise, I may not have to worry about anyone crowding into my 'personal space' :) hee hee.
Malfalda called this morning to see if I was coming to lunch at her place tomorrow (Wednesday), however, I had to decline, as I will need to get finished packed, and my apartment cleaned and secured, then get to the bus with my bags and out to Caputo's before 6pm for church and then the night. Would be added pressure, which I don't need right now. Also, I will not go to Capurso this afternoon / evening for the same reason.
Wednesday, May 6th, 2015
Fridge all cleaned out, water heater and lights off, etc., and all packed up and ready to go to Caputo's.
After church on Wednesday, Marco took Freda and
Maria home then we went to my apartment and picked up my luggage. Said goodbye to my comfortable little apartment and heading out for another new adventure! I am excited!
Arrived back at Caputo’s and the guys decided
we needed pizza for dinner. Dinner at 10
pm, then straight off to bed for me.
Next blog in a month!
Arrivederci per adesso! Addio per ora!
