Techno shepherd to Feuerzangenbowle and everything in between

Some days are just an eclectic mix, that rather than explain in great detail, it is sometimes just fun to hint at what the day was and let the imagination fill the gaps. Today was one of those, a lovely Boxing Day, with lots of hidden extras that made it memorable.

We had been invited to our neighbours Sue and Klaus's for a Boxing Day lunch. Despite the increasing cold, we dressed to keep warm, loaded the children up with their own entertainment in their rucksacks (who wants to listen to loads of adults bumble on about nothing in particular when you can play your own games!), and set off walking down the drive. There was however a near sounding clinkle (made up words enhance the sound I think) of many an agricultural animal passing our way. As we got to the end of the drive, about 50 m to our left was a techno shepherd walking his sheep either to or from somewhere for some reason.

The bells around the necks of the sheep made a beautiful localised orchestra of similarly pitched bells. The floppy eared sheep of varying degrees of quality were proceeding in an orderly lined fashion behind the hoodied shepherd who was trying to make a phone call on his mobile. I'm not quite sure how well this worked as the bells were quite an incessant noise, and he was within 1m of it!

Anyhow, then we arrived at Sue and Klaus's for what turned out to be a lovely afternoon meeting lots of expats who now live in Trullos around the area. The food was glorious, the company was excellent and the warmth and kindness with which we were greeted was super. We spent most of our time talking to a delightful couple originally from Belgium called Bob and Helga. Bob, who introduced himself as Bob Van Drums, is a  web based drum tutor. Our conversation went completely round the houses and ended on the endangered Martina Franca donkey, which is the largest breed of donkey in Italy.

This particular photo I found does however make the 'assino' look not only massive, but also quite like a plausible pantomime donkey. Those front legs look awfully man-like!

It was however time for us to leave. We sadly missed Klaus's Feuerzangenbowle. This needs a good "googling", but in essence it was a mulled wine affair, being warmed in a small cauldron on the table, over which a 'zucker hut' (sugar hat) was placed, and I think rum was poured over the whole thing. I believe that the whole zucker hut was a warm affair and I think the overall effect was quite a warming drink according to Klaus, as well as probably making your eyeballs spin in their sockets.
After leaving in the bitter cold and dark, we came home and prepared to leave for the Putignano Carnival. A confusing web page we explored lead us to believe we would see the carnival, which is apparently the oldest carnival in Europe. As it was due to be something like the 620th running of the event, we were reasonably inclined to agree. Anyhow, we arrived, and there was a lack of carnival atmosphere and a lack of people. The signs were not good. However, we have become accustomed to just carrying on and making the most of a situation that may not be what we thought. This behaviour has served us well, and we stumbled upon the opening festival of the Putignano carnival season. This is not a one nighter, no, no, no, it goes on until March. Another thing to google though, as it looks quite amazing, but sadly something we shall miss.
The opening ceremony was odd for a non-Italian speaking tourist. A small town square with  stage and sound system. The hundreds of thronging masses stood dead still as satirical political sketches were apparently played out. Let it be said it was not exactly 'Have I got News for You..'

Once again though, it was the community aspect that we enjoyed most. We stood watched, listened to a couple of the mad songs that accompanied the men in drag and the other costumes on the stage and then left. Not exactly what we'd intended, but fun all the same.
So a curious day then, lots done, lots learnt, and lots experienced!