The weather apps (all of them) predicted rain today. Over much of the region. So after the morning croissant we set off for a drive. And didn't see a single spot of the wet stuff. We did see some rather big houses. And lots of tiny country roads. Before we headed off to a forest for a couple of hours walking. Much needed exercise after far too much bread, pasta, beer and pastries. We then went in search of the castle in Ceglie Messapica. Once we had done the usual drive round the town trying to avoid pedestrians, other cars and dead ends we found a free parking spot (parking in Italy is ridiculous. So many different rules. But Stu had hit Google before we set off this morning so we had a much better idea). As we walked up to the castle we could hear a brass band. Playing a rather slow tune. We had stumbled upon a funeral. So we put on our best sombre faces and waited as we didn't want to appear rude and walk past the mourners. To be honest I was moved. Huge flower arrangements adourned the sides of a white van. As the coffin came out the mood of the band changed to something a little more upbeat. There were some words shouted and everyone clapped. Us included. Then the funeral procession set off slowly through town (we didn't follow). We learned after that is was the funeral of a 38 year old man. After a quick visit to the castle (disappointing tbh) and a couple of coffees (not at all disappointing and surprisingly cheap) we headed back towards the Trullo. The road takes us past a massive cemetery. Which happened to be open. So we popped in. I have never seen anything like it. Not even those in France compare. It was a little awe-inspiring tbh. The amount of care (and money) spent on the dead. Extraordinary. And humbling in a way. We did feel like weird stalkers as we stumbled across the coffin of the 38 year old. But we rushed past respectfully. I did take a couple of photos in between doing my best respectful sad face. Then tried my best to hide the huge camera under my top. It just felt very wrong. I took a couple of photos of the 38 year old chap's flowers at the entrance. I want to look back and remember. It seems right somehow. Back at the Trullo we raised a Peroni to the unnamed man. Before Stu started prepping the pasta!
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DebbieMe, my life, my family and my travels Archives
November 2022
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