back in the village

I slept well last night, enjoying the sound of rain on the tiles of the roof. waking in a home so safe and full of nostalgia is a wonderful feeling after weeks abroad. after showering, Max drove me to Sergio’s shed, where he was in the process of making wine with his son-in-law Daniel and daughter Rebecca, my cousin who I had not seen since 2010. after years living in England, Rebecca has acquired a fantastic British accent, and it feels wonderful and simultaneously odd to be spending time together as adults now after over 12 years apart.

Max made us lasagna for lunch, which we enjoyed with formaggio and vegetables. after returning from work (schools are open here on Saturdays!), Giulia rode with me through the village into Domanins, where we visited Zia Susie and Oscar. being back on the bikes makes me feel like a child again. some of my fondest memories of travelling all those years ago are of riding with my brothers and cousins through the village, and I’ve promised myself to make the most of Valeria’s bike and the weather whilst I’m here.

after returning through the backroads, we were greeted by Zia Domenica back home, before Rebecca and Daniel arrived to cook us panang curry for dinner (as a non-local from Newcastle Upon Tyne, Dan enjoys diversifying the menu on offer within the village). we drank wine made by the family and laughed for hours. only now I’ve hit the pillow so I realise just how tired I am. it’s wonderful being back - I have already been spoiled, and am trying not to take this care for granted. <<