We have been up to lots but hv not had time to get online.  Here's a quick update on our travels:

Monday - spent the day at the beach with Franca. The Italians really know how to 'do' the beach.  Very sophisticated.  Franca hires an umbrella for the summer.   It comes with swept pathways leading directly to deck chairs with a huge umbrella and table.  Other deckchairs are supplied in case you want to to place them in the water as you sun bathe. Lots of beach toys for the kids to play with. A nearby private cafe supplies drinks and amenities such as showers.

Tuesday - Our hosts took us up to the mountain, La Majella.  The cooler mountain air was wonderful on the 35 degree day. Hidden away in the cliff face is Santo Sprito a monestry built in 927 AD.  Jai was facinated with the bones of the monks that were on display behind glass. The evening was spent with Morry's father's relatives.  About 20 of us went to an 'agritourisimo' restaurant.  All the food they served was grown and prepared on the premises.  Delicious cheeses, meat (so I'm told), salads, breads, fruit, dessertsThe kids has lots of fun looking at all the goats, rabbits, cows, chickens etc. .

Wednesday - spent the day at Carlo & Lidia's.  Friends of Morry's parents who lived in Melbourne for 14 yrs.  Morry was pleased to catch up with their son, Rocco, who Morry grew up with.  Lidia cooked a very welcome Aussie meal for us (crumbed fish, chips, peas & carrots) and it was a relief to be able to speak English.

Thursday - saw where they make pasta.  The water is so cold and crystal clear and it seems to magically appear from out of the mountain.  Apparently that's the secret to the perfect pasta.  Then it was lunch with the squirals in the forest (well we saw one at least).  A pic nic here involves china plates and silverware, hot pasta cooked at home, meats, salads, fruit, brewed coffee - home made cakes - the lot. A pre-dinner  passeggiata (walk) saw us explore a quaint little town called Pennapiedemount ('the foot of the mountain').  Winding cobble stone streets, ornate church, glimpses of Mumma's preparing pasta thru open doorways.  Dinner was at Morry's cousin's -Viola & Dominic.  Dom can speak English as he is a Doctor and English was part of his studies.  Their son is away at uni.  A talented student he was invited to study at Princeton in America for the summer.  Joining us was Morry's other cousin, Corrado.  Corrado arrived from his home in America for a quick holiday and to see us.  

Friday - wandered around the local market, ran into Corrado.  Hd lunch at Biasette & Rina's.  Off to Aldo's & Franca's casa for dinner - apparently an intimate affair with 40 other family members.