Bucchianico Italy

The time had come for what I had been looking forward to most, our trip to my grandparents home town, Bucchianico in Italy. Mum and I actually hadn't planned on going, but then I realised why the hell not, so as soon as she arrived in London we booked it in. Bucchianico is small town in the province of Abruzzo, situated on top of a hill, in between and with the most incredible views of the Grand Sasso and Maiella mountains.

We landed about 9.30pm into Pescara airport and were greeted by mums cousin Raffaele and his wife Rita. Mum has met them all before, but it was the first time for me. Then it was straight back to Rita and Raffaele's house where there sons, Giacomo and Simone (my new besties) were waiting for us, as was the first of many YUMMY dinners. Fresh home made pasta and Scallopini with freshly picked peas and mushrooms. Lets just say after being in the country for less that 3 hours i knew that I had found my niche.

The next morning we went for a stroll through the town to the piazza. A meeting place for all the old men who go there every afternoon with theirtoothpicks in tow to play cards and catch up on the latest goss. I know it sounds silly but the streets and buildings are all so typically Italian with the cobblestone paths, window shutters and flowering geraniums everywhere. I just loved them, as you'll see from the photos. Then we walked to Zia Christina and Zio Santino's house. Believe me when I say this lady is a saint and he is just loveable (you just want to skwish his cheeks) . I just love Zia Christina and couldn't stop hugging her and taking photos, she even likes to pose just like me. We stayed for morning tea which consisted of coffee (so good to finally have a good coffee, london coffee sucks!) and of course cake! Homemade biscuits and mums favourite from last time cancellard (a waffle like soft biscuit also called Pizzelle). This soon became my ultimate favourite. They were just so so good. They are typically eaten at breakfast time, or always on hand for a guest. After this we headed back for - you guessed more food, or should I say pasta. Rita made spinach and ricotta filled Ravioli followed by a frittata and freshly picked broad beans and bread. Then coffee, fruit and dessert. I soon learnt that lunch or dinner is ALWAYS some sort of pasta followed by a meat dish, salad and bread then fruit. Mum had warned me that the best time is when the fruit comes out, as you know the meal is nearly over. Oops i forgot to mention the homemade vino... Mmm mmm! After lunch we went for a drive to a big shopping centre. Mum got car sick from all the windy roads and eating too much. The roads literally zig zag up and down the hill. Then we headed for Calcara, a celebration of St Camillo and his attention to nature. Its held on the first sunday in May and the whole town attends, young and old! Full of enjoyment rides, market stalls, picnic tables and live entertainment. There is also a small church there which mass is celebrated at on Sunday. I had a great time and met lots of Giacomo and Simones friends. We had the typical Italian takeaway there too. Plates of procuitto, Italian bread with olive oil, broad beans and beer. Just a little more satisfying that Mac Donalds. Mum still thinks its the feast of the Broad Bean, as thats what everyone was eating there! They are mums fav though!!

Today we were off to Mass at the Calcara and to watch Rita sing in the church choir. It was a beautiful experience all held outdoors under the trees. Then you guessed it LUNCH! Today it was home made spaghetti made on what looks like a square wooden guitar aka spaghetti alla guitarra! Followed by pork, salad, fruit and Italian cakes. I think by today I have put on 5kgs! I have also learnt that ' puco puco' means just a little bit in Italian and that soon became my faourite saying! Shame that no one takes any notice. They just want you to eat and eat, they want to please and don't take no for an answer. After lunch the boys wanted us to go and watch the local Bucchianico football (soccer) team, where they do the commentary... Hilarious! Just for something different it was time for more food. Raffaele wanted to take us out for pizza. It was delicious yet after the fourth one i was ready to pass out. Then came the arrostacini (thin lamb skewers cooked on an open fire). We finished with a sorbetini... When faced with the sorbetini, mum and I almost died, as it looked like a glass of milk (we both hate milk), yet it was one of the best things we've ever tasted. Lemon sorbet mixed with gasata ( something like lemonade) and limoncello, served with a straw... Yum yum yum! Giacomo also took it upon himself to order me a grappa, whilst mum had limoncello. I had two mouthfuls and felt like i was drinking petrol. Another great day.

By today mum and I were both feeling extremly fat and tired, yet this didn't stop us. Is was all go. The day started with some more cancellard at Zia Christinas then she walked with us to the one and only jewellery shop Bucchianico has. Mum brought me a "presentosa" which is a necklace charm only found in Abruzzo. She has one from her last visit and I've always wanted one. Its something a mother gives her daughter or man gives to his girlfriend. Everyone in Bucchianico has one. Then we went for a drive to see the very first house (or what is left of the house) my grandparents lived in all those years ago. It was something i really wanted to see, a sentimental moment, though a little sad that there isn't a lot left. Then we saw the house my nanna and her sisters grew up in. Zia Christina looks after the land growing her veg but the house is quite run down and doesn't look like it will last much longer. It is also right next door to my Zia Marianna and Zio Giacomo's house, which is also where we had lunch. Talk about 5 course meal. Starters followed by spinach pasta, turkey cutlets, eggplant, roast pork chop, salad and then fruit. I was praying for the fruit, as like mum had said it means the end. However, in this case it didn't end! Fruit was followed by coffee and a variety of homemade italian cakes It was all so good though! After lunch it was off to visit more family including mums great aunt Lydia (94 years old) as well as lots of extended cousins. More food was served yet I couldn't face any of it. After a quick rest, Raffaele, Rita, Simone, mum and I went for a drive to Francavilla, a beachside town about half an hour away. We stopped for a gelati. I thought I could squeeze it in as i hadn't had a gelati yet, but I clearly couldn't. That night when we got home I was actually sick. I never thought I'd see the day when I was sick from eating too much.

Today mum and I headed in to Chieti a large town about 15 minutes away. We wandered around, saw some beautiful church's, spectacular views and lots of banks! We also had a delicious cremè bombe. A custard filled donut type thing that was so yummy. Rita picked us up and today it was time for lunch at Zia Christina's and Zio Santino's, my favourite people. Lunch was delicious and I somehow managed to get away with not eating as much, I also managed a sneaky siesta after lunch as I was exhausted (who would have thought eating was such hard work)?! The afternoon was then spent looking at old photos and reminiscing. It really was a lovely afternoon. After that we went to another cousin, Amedeo's house. He is my poppas nephew and was so excited to see mum, he just had to take us out (Ohh Noo not more food)!!! We went to place way up high in the mountains (the middle of nowhere) call Roccamontepiano! It was a nice old pub all wooden like a barn and thank god only a plate of procuitto and cheese with of course bread was served.

Today was our last day in Italy, booo! Raffaele had the day off work so it was time for more exploring. Rita, Zia Christina, Raffaele, mum and I headed off nice and early for about an hour drive up in the mountains to a town called Scanno. Being so high up you can just imagine how beautiful the view was. The stunning lago's (lakes) were pristine green. We stopped at a town call Pescasseroli for pizza and for some browsing through the market stalls. Then it was back to Bucchianico for our very sad goodbyes before jetting back London.

Italy was the best. Honestly I can't say enough about my time there, awesome family, culture and of course the food. The best pizza, pasta, home grown veggies and sorbet I ever had, sounds typical I know, but it really was. I was concerned that the language barrier was going be really tough, as i can understand a little Italian and speak even less. Mum was great and I picked up lots whilst there (no better place to learn)! My cousins Rita, Giacomo and Simone all speak some English as well, so we had a good time teaching each other? I'm looking forward to going back for a sneaky visit in August, just because I can... Woohoo!

Back in London and I was straight back to work even after arriving home at 1am and only having 3 hours sleep. We made the most of mum's last weekend here. A morning of shopping and wandering in Angel (East London), lunch at Jaimie Oliver's restaurant "Jamie's Italian" in Covent garden which was really yummy (because we haven't had enough Italian)! Then we went out to Brick Lane, Whitechappel, which is a restaurant strip renowned for its Indian food. They all stand out the front and try to entice you in. We choose one I had read about called Aladdin, it was also one of the most popular ones, but it was well worth the noise! Mothers day was spent strolling through Hyde park looking at the various memorials (Princess Dianna etc) and then dinner at Antonio Carluccio's restaurant which was also very nice.

As I send out this blog, mum is in the air making the long trip home to Perth. We really have had the best time together and explored lots of incredible places. Thanks to her, I have gained five kilos but got to experience some of the best food around. I am going to miss not having her here and I think she will miss London, she LOVED IT! Now its time for a strict diet before my friend Lisa arrives in 2 weeks and our Europe, Greece and Croatia trip begins June 2nd. This will be my last blog until I arrive back in London on July 14th. I will have so much to tell you all. I will also be freaking out about trying to find somewhere to live in a week, between arriving back and my lease being up! Then its OLYMPIC time and more fun to be had.

Miss you all lots but certainly making the most of my time...

Until July Ciao Ciao xxx