Dear Mike Hello, and welcome! I’m really excited about our blogswap today. I hope you enjoy yourself here – there’s food in the cupboard and it looks like you’ve picked a great day if you want to go to the … Continue reading
The first thing you notice is the smell. It’s strong, and not entirely pleasant, although not disgusting either, so long as you don’t breathe it in too deeply. It’s the smell of salt water and fish guts, with a … Continue reading
It’s the Festa di San Nicola. The town is decked out like a Christmas tree (appropriate, given the saint we’re celebrating – yes, it’s that Saint Nick), and there are food stalls at every corner. Sweet stalls selling foot-long black … Continue reading
It’s evening in Otranto. We wind our way up the steep steps to the cathedral square, tired after a day in the sun. Following a group of middle-aged Italians, I listen to their excited chatter about the events of the … Continue reading
I’m in dire need of summer clothes and nail polish, so had plans to go to the market this morning. Waking up late and flying through the shower, I grab my handbag and race out of the door to start … Continue reading
(image by Kate Bailward) Being a not very organised person who doesn’t think ahead all that far, I’m not registered for a postal vote in the UK. Luckily, other expats are more on the ball than me, and have already … Continue reading
“Let’s go for a walk.” Alex has popped his head around my door, bundled up in coat and hat. I’ve been sitting and staring blankly at my computer screen for hours, and therefore agree with alacrity. It’s been a long … Continue reading
(image by mcfarlandmo on Flickr) I teach a class of 5-year olds. Well, I say teach: it’s glorified babysitting. They tear around the room causing havoc while I hold up flashcards, which they sometimes deign to acknowledge. When they do … Continue reading
(image by Gilmoth on Flickr) After a long absence, the sun has come out in Salento today. It’s beautiful. I’m sitting here writing next to an open window, a light, warm breeze ruffling the curtains, and the sunlight glinting off … Continue reading
(image by ilmungo on Flickr) Friday night was almost like being back in the UK: getting drunk, staying up until 7am and eating kebabs. In a twist to the story, however, the kebabs were the first thing on the menu … Continue reading
