Benson, my charge while house-sitting in Bascianella
The roads are windy and the mountains are steep. Abruzzo is a region not many people think of visiting when they go to Italy and it is a shame as it has the ocean and the alpine and many little towns in between. Of course Abruzzo is the region where there was that massive earthquake in L’Aquila in 2009 killing hundreds and destroying the town.
My cute little house - or should I say villa - in the tiny little village of Bascianella
It took me awhile to find where I was house-sitting. I picked up my rental car in Pescara and thought it would be a pretty straight forward drive. But I am not used to Italian sign-posting, I didn’t have a map, and Italian drivers all think they are race car drivers. Crazy. They drive way past the speed limit and sit right on your tail if you are not going fast enough. Cars and bikes both pass when there is next to no room and cars are oncoming. I wonder how many accidents they have.
The view from the street beside the house. Corno Grande, the tallest peak in the mountain range.
Anyway, I did make it and have settled in for 8 days of recharging, organizing, hiking, exploring and exercising. Oh yes, and catching up on my sleep. People don’t realize how tiring it can be to be travelling for so long. You are always doing something everyday. It really can be exhausting. I am not complaining, but sometimes you just want to sleep but you feel guilty because you are travelling and you should be exploring etc…
The valleys surrounding.
My little village of Bascianella is stated to have about 98 people but there are only more like 40 – 50 here. Most of them are older and farm the land. No one speaks English. Vans come everyday with food of different sorts to service the village since the stores are about 10 km away. But I have a car, so that is not a problem. I have exchanged a few words with some residents but aside from the fact that my Italian is pretty rudimentary they also have a stronger accent and say things a little differently than other parts of Italy. So mostly I am keeping to myself.
Lago Campotosto, a man-made lake, where Benson and I went on my first full day
There are a number of towns and things I am going to do while here but I also have to plan my next phase of my travelling and catch up on some paper work. So here’s to another house sit and some quiet time.
Benson after rolling in the rocky mud after following me in swimming - guess I threw him back in after that!
Yeah! I’m the first one to comment on this post–even before your Mum. 🙂
Abruzzo looks like a beautiful region and the village of Bascianella looks both charming and peaceful.
Benson looks adorable (when he is clean) and you must be happy for the company. So, what breed is Benson? He appears huge.
Oh – oh – Mum`s got competition. Well the two of you are my most avid readers. Benson is a cocker spaniel. It must be the angle of the photos because he is small to medium in size. More on the small side actually.
Gosh Ines (who is that) got a posting in before me and said all the things I was going to say – many thanks. Enjoy the peace and quiet Sara!!!
Ines is a friend from my days at St. Mildred`s. She was at the reunion at the house a number of years back. I have been sending her postcards from most of my destinations as she collects stamps. I thought her comment was funny. You`ve got competition! Hee hee.
Sara: Not sure if your Mom and I are your most avid readers, but we’re definitely the most avid writers, who love to comment on your awesome blog. I’m just happy to be in good company with your Mum.
Thanks again for always thinking of me by sending me those wonderful postcards.
Mum: You’re welcome for the comments. I guess, great minds think alike. 🙂
About Benson: He is one handsome cocker spaniel.
And a fluffly cocker spaniel too who needs a trim but the barber was booked! His tail wagging is hilarious – goes side to side, up and down and in circles – all at once.
Benson sounds like a riot and his tail wagging does sound hilarious. My dog’s tail only waggs from side to side, but at different speeds. 🙂
He is a cutie albeit with a bit of an attitude if you touch him wrong – he’s a rescue dog.
You musty be enjoying the house sitting – the countryside looks absolutely gorgeous and what better company than a cute little cocker spaniel – even with an attitude!!!
Yup he’s a cutie although can growl and look kind of gnarly if you try to touch him when he doesn’t want to be touched. It certainly is peaceful here. Although Italians due like to yell a lot in their day to day talking.