Decompressing in Dipignano

After the popularity of Rome it was time for something a little quieter. Kel had booked Agriturismo Ferrari, or so she hoped. Communication had been sketchy, thus we were relieved when we appeared to be expected. The drive was "interesting" involving quite a few switchbacks on roads wide enough for one car at best. Unfortunately the venue was hosting a party on our arrival day (and the next day) thus we had to eat out in the small nearby village of Dipignano. This led to the best meal of the trip so far, when on night two the small restaurant we found had no menu, no english speakers, some delicious pasta, and a bottle of Amaro to finish. No bill was produced but somehow 80 Euro's was decided on. Some Class A ordering from Kel in Italian resulted in mostly what we expected.

The days were spent playing soccer on the the large grassy slope near the house, in the pool, or reading. No wifi, and only Italian TV reduced the screen time. Goats, and cows caused the odd interruption to play on the soccer pitch, and exact final scores are still debated.

Reconnecting with Rome

After surprisingly uneventful flights we arrived in a distinctly rainy Rome. Our base would be a stylish 2nd story apartment in Trastevere, and after a challenging jog around the narrow streets dodging tourists, I can see the attraction of the neighbourhood. Narrow streets lined with tables, filled with locals and tourists drinking coffee, Campari and the ubiquitous Aperol. The weather imprved after day one and was filled with sunshine for the remainder of the stay.

There is something special about Rome. A feeling that good times are almost guaranteed. People seem less worried about morning routines, protein intake, and the future, and more interested in enjoying today. Or maybe that's just how you feel when you visit. Either way there is something magnetic about this city, something that makes it attractive despite the hordes of people. It's unique mix of modern and ancient, quiet obsession with coffee and good food, and intriguing history continue to make it a city worth visiting. Even with 3 kids!

Highlights were meals at the local "magnifico" store, coffee (of course), and the usual sights. Bas's favourite by far was the tour of the colosseum, with the Forum and the Villa Borghese also popular. Addy bought new shoes and was very happy. Museo delle Illusioni was a big hit.

Interesting observations: 

 - Trastevere was covered in graffiti, mostly tags, not interesting street art

 - No one seems to own a mower, or a whippersnipper. Street verges are seriously overgrown.

 - A negroni out is 8 Euro. An expresso is 1.5 Euro. 

 - Driving - I didn't, thank god.

And we're back! Europe 2.0

Some 15 years after the last post I am resurrecting this blog for another trip to Europe. This one will be a little different though as life has changed since our last sojourn around the Med. This time we have 3 kids in tow, a war raging in the Middle East, and infinitely more expensive wine and accommodation tastes. Will the budget stretch the 3 months? Will we be eating home cooked pasta or dining out with Grand Cru burgundy in the last few weeks of the trip? Only time will tell.....

This is going to be more diary than blog, as I know basically no one reads it (except Mum!). This will be more "dispatches from the trenches" as I no longer have the luxury of long train rides with which to compose witty, succinct pieces. As we are driving (and I am doing the lion share), there is very little down time for writing. I apologize in advance.

So first day of term two we fly out of surprisingly sunny Melbourne, bound for Rome, via Hong Kong. Long stopovers, tired kids (and adults) and lots of airplane food. Kel has been madly in rehab for a ruptured achilles, and it will interesting to see how it holds up to airport transits and walking around Rome. Europe 2.0 here we come