It has been quite a day. We started with Tai Chi at 7:30am. It was great but there is a little language malfunction between the teacher, who only speaks Italian, and the pupil, me. My Italian is not getting any better. We will be having a Tai Chi lesson every day, so hopefully I will get the hang of it by just watching.
We had to pick over 35 cartons of oranges. It took all morning with 6 of us picking. The orchard is very difficult to maneuver and I twisted my ankle. Typically I would not worry, but being in Italy I am more concerned with any physical impairment. I definitely do not want to shorten my trip with a broken ankle.
Liz had a big surprise when she was picking oranges. Apparently a rat had a nest in the tree she was picking and it jumped on her and was caught in her top. She was screaming and the rat finally got loose and ran away. I am definitely more cautious when selecting my tree to pick.
We were all exhausted and starving after the morning’s workout. We had pasta with anchovy sauce, which is something I would typically not eat. It was delicious (or was I just so hungry). Of course there is always the afternoon nap.
In the afternoon we had to get ready for the big party. I was responsible for the orange and fennel salad and setting up the room. The party was to raise money to save the river. Apparently there is a lot of pollution and dumping in the river. The committee is trying to work with the government to make it a wildlife preserve, especially to protect the birds.
It was really a great opportunity to meet Sicilians and eat a lot of great food. Everyone brought a dish. I finally tasted a Sicilian cannoli. It was one of the best I have had. All the food was delicious. I had an opportunity to meet some of the other Wwoofers from Paolo’s farm. They all played musical instruments and some sang, so they were the entertainment. We had to clean up and finally quit at midnight.
One other comment is that the swallows arrived in Sicily. Apparently I am in their room; they always go back to where they had their nest the previous year. I didn’t realize that they were in my room until the morning because they are sleeping after sunset. Around 6am I kept hearing all these bird noises. I thought they were pretty close, but how close!!! I was trying to sleep through it hoping they would go away. After about 30 minutes of all the noise I finally opened my eyes and found that they were actually flying around in my room. Wow, was I surprised. I couldn’t get to the door fast enough to let them out. I cannot open my door now; when I do I guard it because they are just waiting to get in.
Well it is midnight and I am ready for bed. Ciao for now
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