The Perfect Storm

As we sat under the gazebo enjoying a lunch of bread, cold meats and cheese and making a significant dent in our alcohol cache, we observed storm clouds approaching. We are situated in a very mountainous region, quite high up ourselves, but on all sides are even higher mountains, and this fact coupled with the alcohol imbued us with enough bravura to remain where we were and see what the weather had to offer.

It was a strange and exhilarating sight, as the thunder began to roll and the clouds darkened further. It was very weird being able to see the streaks of grey beneath the clouds where rain was falling heavily on towns and farmland several miles away, while we remained out of harms way, treated to a brilliant firework display of fork lightning, which at times flashed purple. The oohs, aahs and drunken laughter were possible as the storm passed us by completely, leaving us warm and dry but still able to enjoy the power of nature.

I also managed to see a snake disappear swiftly into the undergrowth yards from our terrace, which added to the list of creatures, including plenty of lizards, that we simply don't see at home. All of these sights contribute to the otherness of our surroundings, yet still are not threatening.

After a siesta Jacquie rounded off our first full day in Italy with a fantastic meal of home-made meatballs with Vermicelli, before we retired to the lounge while the party dwindled to just Liam, Alice and myself watching Italian MTV before bed.