Pescara & Family

This morning we were up and at 'em early so we could catch a lift with my mum's cousin's wife into the city. We were to spend the morning roaming around the city of Pescara and then catch a train to Chieti Scalo, another little town. For reference, they're all little, so I'll stop using that descriptor. We were fairly early so not everything was open as yet, but there were some stores that we found that were, and they sold some fairly decent stuff too. I tried on this awesome jacket, it was on sale, about €65 I think, and if it had fit I would have bought it. Straight out. But alas, one size was too small and the other way too big. *pouts* heh. Mum found this gorgeous frilled top however and maybe, just maybe I might be able to score a couple of wears out of it too.

Tom dragged us into this store after seeing the wall of shoes near the entrance. It was a wicked store with the brand - WeSC (or similar) We are the Superlative Conspiracy. They stocked Tokidoki too, which is only a name I'd heard of before, not seen. Tom managed to find a very nice pair of jeans and the guys there asked us (mum) where we were from and conversation ensued. It was a lovely experience!

We decided to at least check out where we had to catch the bus to Chieti Scalo from and given that the weather was a little miserable, we decided to head there early and take a look around.

However.... we missed the stop and ended up at Chieti Alto. (Scalo, is the foot of the hill [and it's a bloody big hill] and Alto is the top). SOooooo we had to catch the same bus back. The us driver forgot to tell us our stop, so we got off the bus two stops later. We have nicknamed this trip "The Long Way" because no matter which way we go, it always seems to be the long way (we have subsequently named anything that takes us the long way 'Mum's Way').

In the end we made it back to Chieti Scalo right on time!

And then our lift was late so we were surrounded with school kids and cigarette smoke. All part of the experience no? :)

This afternoon it was time to do the family rounds so our host (my Nonno's sister in law) wouldn't get grief from the locals for hogging us. Three ladies, all in their late 70's and 80's. One was still living with her husband and he new a few things in english (how are you, Christmas, good night) SO adorable. They don't speak English and my brother & dad don't speak Italian so it's quite enjoyable to translate bits and pieces for them. The connection between my mum and these families is only small to begin with, and they're elderly so the conversations were fairly the same. The first question asked by each of them was 'how long are you staying?' Because of course we have to eat with them! :) It's quite a lovely feeling to be so welcome in the homes of near strangers.

I didn't take the camera with me so I'll have to next time. This village, where we're living is tiny. The piazza is tiny, with no shops backing onto it. There is one 'Bar' (sells coffee as well as booze) and one shop, but I only caught a glimpse of it today and am not sure what it sells. It's a step back in time.

There is so much other stuff that has happened. I can't believe how much I'm skipping in these posts. Tomorrow I have the opportunity to go horse riding (not sure if I'll go as yet cause I'd just like to stop), on Friday I may be able to go to the school where my Zia (mum's cousin's wife) teaches. My Zia's english is really good and she is patient with my Italian. I stick to the words I know, and when it gets too difficult, I refer back to english.

Despite the fullness of my days and the sleepiness that clouds my head, I am very happy here.

<3 to your mother.