Time's Up

There we were lulling around, minding our own business when someone called, “Time’s up” and pulled the plug. We still had restaurants to try and things to do.

Have yet to persuade myself that home is where it is at. A visit to Tesco was a reality shock – I hate Tesco – but at least I got some broccoli.

On the plus side, the suite that was being re-upholstered during our absence has turned out well.

Broccoli

After 40 days and with two to go, I have finally thought of a reason – other than family – to go home – broccoli. I love broccoli and haven’t had any for nearly six week. While it is, I am sure, true that I could have bought some at Leclerc – although I don’t recall seeing any – this would be to miss the point: despite its Italianate name broccoli is not a vegetable to be actually eaten here and is better suited for eating in places where the sun shines less.

So in a couple of days after final meals at il Bugno and l’Altana, I will once again be able to enjoy some broccoli at home. Always look on the bright side.

Sunday – Day of Leisure

Following Mass at Albiano, a chat with the Capanni’s whom we met (see June Blog) and a farewell visit to Franco and Umberta, we dropped in on Loreno and Margaret and invited ourselves to lunch: fried zucchini flowers, salad and cheese, with wine and coffee corretto.

Loreno and I had a couple of friendly hands of poker which Loreno won – but let’s not forget who won the serious championship in January.

Andrew, Jill and Joe walked to Tiglio. I suppose someone has to do it.

Another Hard Day

Turned out nice again: so another day hard day at the pool.

Thankfully, on the way down to the pool the market stall was open. When I explained my problem to the old man whom I assume is the husband of the old lady he was sympathetic but said he could only offer a “superior” replacement product – albeit that this was the same price and also made in China.

He explained that he could not give me a refund as he had already completed his tax return for the previous day. Did he think I was born yesterday? How many Italian market traders can there be who ever fill in a tax return.

Discussions continued until he finally conceded defeat and gave me my money – it is not of course a money thing but playing the game that counts.

Hope the watch I bought in Fornaci is more reliable.

Evening dinner was at the Pesce Patate Festival in the football stadium – the best fish and chips I have had outside Scotland and amazingly well organised.

Then dancing outside Onesti – well at least Joe danced with Jill/Andrew.

Ripped Off

Having only seen junk at the markets, I was pleased to find a new garlic press today. There were some cheap and nasty things but the old lady at the stall sold me a superior sexy one costing €7.50.

As we were eating at home tonight I decided to use it to season the chicken I was grilling. One squeeze and it fell apart. I have saved the pieces for the fun of trying to exercise my statutory rights and get my money back. The threatened thunderstorm did materialise so unfortunately no prospect of the market or the old lady being there. Perhaps she will be there tomorrow.

Karma

After a harassing journey from Pisa via a number of uncharted locations, Andrew, Jill and Joe suffered the misfortune of striking another car within a few hundred metres of their destination. No one was hurt and the damage was relatively minor but clearly, not the best start to a holiday. Unfortunately, Andrew had made the perfectly sensible decision not to take out the optional and extra insurance to cover the Insurance Excess.

On the other hand to restore the good/bad equilibrium, we heard that Andrew’s scientific contribution to the Al Gore and the UN's Intergovernmental Panel Climate Change Nobel Peace Prize has been officially recognised.

Day at the pool yesterday and walking round Barga today to see the Santa Maria and San Rocco Fiesta. Hopefully, the forecast thunderstorms will not materialise and the dancing in the piazza tonight will not be disrupted.

Hard Core

Only a few hard core Barghigiani – Jenny and I, Loreno and Margaret, Sara and Tim – remain as school commitments force most of the Scottish contingent to leave.

Curry last night at Delio’s – thanks Matthew for the ingredients – followed by checking the blog and searching for copri-scopri parts for Delio’s truck.

Then final drinks at Alpino’s – thanks to Roberto and everyone who has helped us settle into life in Barga.

Seems very windy today.Andrew, Jill and Joe arriving tomorrow so – need to smarten the place for visitors.