After Nico finally settled into country life with the minions, complete with cat towers galore, and way more things to watch out the ground level windows, I of course headed across the boot and slightly south to extract him. Within seconds of walking through the door and giving him a call he came running out of the back room. I guess even after hearing his Aunt Jess trying to chat with him all week, he still knew the difference. (Reminds me of baby penguins or seals and their moms...) Reunited with both him and the minions, the weekend was off to a fabulous start. And let's face it...that's always great news after a 3.5+ hour car trip, after a full work day.
Saturday morning was kicked off by a trip to the Ostuni market. Yep. I had been there before but this time had more success in tracking down a fabulous 5 euro tank top, a ridiculously large pair of sunglasses, a few petunia plants, and what we really went for- strawberries and veggies for Easter dinner. Of course when presented with the opportunity to pick up some fresh cut flowers I did, because I'm hellbent on making the interior of my house look like spring, even if it's still rainy and cold outside.
On the way back to the house to drop off our goodies we just had to stop at some of the wildflower filled fields. Why? This "city" girl misses open fields and wildflowers are just so beautiful.
Next stop- Matera! If you think you've heard of it, you probably have. It's where Passion of the Christ was filmed and a city basically carved out of stone with a ton of caves. Simply put? Spectacular, especially when the sun fights off the clouds and shadows add to the lines along the hillside. But getting there wasn't easy. Let's take a step back...
Before leaving the house we sent an email to the place we wanted to eat lunch at for a reservation, just in case. So, naturally when the phone started to ring we figured it was them. Well, driving and trying to speak Italian is just a talent that neither Jess or I have. She tossed me the phone to try my
oh so fabulous Italian "skills." For some reason the lady was asking us where we were and I tried to explain we were leaving one town to Matera. She kept talking about the local (yummy) pizza place and that we could meet them in 20 minutes. Once I said I understood what she was saying, not so much why, she took that as we were meeting her there? Jess was able to piece it together that it was probably the floral shop delivering flowers since that's where they met before. Problem was, we were already outside of town and on a time line of our own. Ha.
There must have been 4 more calls on our way to Matera. Worse? The guy calling only spoke Italian and well, although we understood what he was saying and trying to convey in Italian that it wasn't possible, guess how those turned out? Lots of
passionate and loud talking on the phone. Plus side? Our hour plus drive flew by. Finally someone that spoke English called and suggested
domani. Ironic part? We were thinking the same thing but figured that delivery on Easter wouldn't be likely.
Sigh. Gotta love Italy.
We rolled into town and were immediately amazed at the sight before our eyes. Of course I was still in shock on how green the hills were, even when spotted with flowers and blossoming trees. The restaurant had a table open for us and we enjoyed a bottle of local wine and some of their local specialties- the local pasta and meats. Such a yummy meal and since the bottle of wine was opened (at the waiter would refill our glasses if they were near empty each time he walked by) we took our time eating and just hanging out. No, we didn't solve the problems of the world but that doesn't mean the conversations we had weren't important.
Yeah, how's that for cryptic?
After lunch we started our adventure. Not 5 steps out the door before we were laughing at a dog up on the ridge/roof across the street. Barking. Barking at the cat grooming itself in the sunshine on the outcropping above the garage, about 10 feet below the dog. The cat could have cared less about that dog. Our adventure only got better after that- gelato! Come to Italy and I'll prove to you that there is ALWAYS room for a scoop. I tried
la primevera e fiori, having no idea what it was because you couldn't see into the tubs. It was fabulous- rosemary and lavender! Not too sweet but more savory, and gone before too long. Hey, the sun was melting it?
We had a blast exploring the town and mainly just taking it all in. Lots of hills. Lots of wind. Lots of nature. Just amazing!
Post shower, I joined Jess in the kitchen to prepare the feast. The official menu was: Cornish game hens, steamed artichokes, fresh strawberries and whipped cream, and of course, wine. While it finished, I passed out on the couch and woke up starving. 
