Trying to lie low!

We've been lying low for a few days as we adjust to a new way of living. Since arriving in Fasano on Saturday we have all tried to get to terms with new routines, more space, beds that don't need to be moved, a shower that is hot, a bath, a dishwasher, a woodburner, a garden, and a washing machine that actually washes things clean!!! Having been in a motorhome, or van as I call it for 4 months, I thought that I would be glad to get out of it, and in a way I was.

However, only 24 hours after arriving, I longed to check that everything was OK, and smell the familar smell of the woodwork. I have been busy cleaning inside the van, which for a relatively small space takes a bit of work! The cupboards are all awkward to reach into, so once emptied, they've been swept out, wiped out, dried out and finally vacuumed too just for good measure. The wet room had to be carefully cleaned so that the "wrong parts" don't get wet, and the fridge and freezer have needed to be cleaned carefully too. Ed has been busy with the maintenance on the outside of the van. It's looking rather new again now! Once we collect our hire car tomorrow, we can arrange for Hugo to be serviced, and then we will be reassured that we will make it home safely. 

We feel very fortunate to be camped out here,

and are most grateful to our friends G and T who have let us stay here for Christmas and over winter whilst it is rather cold outdoors and there is the chance of snow on some of the roads. We are enjoying relaxing a little more whilst we gather our thoughts about where to visit next! 

So far we have managed a local walk every day, and today we also went for a nice bike ride as we discovered the local shop for fresh bread. On our walks, we have met some really lovely people. On Saturday we met Antonio, and then Sue and Klaus whose drive we blocked with our huge van in a rather narrow lane!!! Sue and Klaus have already been extremely welcoming and kind to us, and that extends to Boxing Day when we will join them for lunch. On Sunday we met Giovanni and his wife, and Ed and Jasper enjoyed some manual work picking olives just behind the Trullo here. Yesterday we went to see Sue and Klaus again, and then on our afternoon walk the children and I met Antonio's cousin from Milan who spoke with great passion about the local area and about the olives he was picking. 

Today, whilst finishing off a few last minutes chores in the van, Hugo bus, (or Gino the Camper as he was going to be called in Italy) we had a visit from Pino who had come to check that we were all ok and settled in well. Another friendly effervescent Italian who really couldn't have been any more helpful! We really are starting to feel relaxed and enjoy this part of Italy, almost like we belong here which is funny really as we didn't think we belonged in Italy at all when we first arrived back in November. 

So now, as I write this I am enjoying a few things: the fact that I've had a bath (my second!), the warmth of a real fire, a glass of red, plus the fact that tomorrow we are collecting a car which will enable us to sight see around this beautiful part of Italy. 

Bouna Notte!

Clare

X

Ps- Don't worry G, you won't need to evict us come January!!! I feel like I want to see my own home again soon!