Cows and Goats Sempre Diretto

Friday, September 06, 2013
Peschici, Puglia, Italy
Long drive through the Forest Umbria, coolness and shade throughout the continually winding ride. When around a curve comes a herd of cows, their clanging bells shouted to slow down. What was news to us city slickers is that cows are far sighted, they literally came within a inch of the vehicle...and they are not slim animals. I SHOUTED to watch out but they were determined to challenge us and came so close that I could see the whites of their big Brown eyes. Then while driving down the hill we meet a collection of goats which ignore us in their quest for food, "Mario" slows down and we finally pass them with their two shepherds bringing up the rear.
 
We found our way to Peschici but couldn't find the Masseira despite three passes through the town . We stopped at an auto mechanic store where we met Maria Luisa , an adorable redhead,who was about to get on her vespa. She was not familiar with our masseria but called got the specifics and said follow me. She took us all the way there and was surprised that the owner Francesco was a friend of her dad who is the local mechanic. She was so very nice, I noticed she had several friendship bracelets so I took off the loop bracelet , my little friend Valentina had made me, and put it on her wrist. She smiled and headed off to work on her vespa.
 
Francesco made us some cappuccinos and told us about his place. A house from the 16 century with groves of olive trees all around. Our room is at the top (this seems to be a theme here.)
   Tonight we dine here,unbelievable,we sit on a terrace which looks at the town. Francesco has put on American music. We are drinking Puglia wine. First comes six generous portions of different appetizers,each one tastes delicious.-stuffed peppers,zucchini flowers, tomatoes with basil cream, some which were unknown but so tasty. Followed by homemade fusilli with chickory,then pork medallions, watermelon with powered sugar and an ending of chocolate cake. Dinner lasts three hours plus with a nightcap of lemoncello,a fantastic feast.

One last note-driving here is difficult(I have clenched fists and a prayer in my heart) but Charles is superb,he looks at it as a "need for speed" racing game..
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