Day 11--Ragusan Farm

 After breakfast we traveled into the countryside of Ragusa.  Our destination was to visit a local farm.  This is part of the Overseas Adventure Travel to feature "a day in the life" experience.

As we arrived at the farm, look what came to greet Bill.  He was very careful where he stepped.  Notice the dry stone walls in the photo.  These are protected by UNESCO so the parcels of the farm are not necessarily connected.  

Salvatore Bussello, the father, and Jessica his daughter invited us into their home.  They had tables and chair set up for our small group of eight.  The mother and son joined us and served a pastry with coffee.

Jessica and her brother spoke some English, but Nunzia was their to translate if they had trouble.  The farm is on 80 acres and has been in the family for three generations.  

The mother had us wash our hands and then lead us into the kitchen.  Here she started showing us how to prepare bread.  She made it look simple.

Here's the pastry she made with ricotta cheese that was freshly made.

Everyone tried making one plus we also made some kind of bread.

Salvatore then showed us how to make a type of provolone cheese.  Jessica and her mother go to the local market to sell it.  

 I had no idea how to make cheese.

Then we were taught how to make ricotta cheese.  While it was cooking, we walked up to the barn.

The son took us to the barn and showed us the cows.  I believe he said they have 45.

Bill and I visited the Shamrock dairy one time and this seemed very primitive after that experience.

When we left the barn, the courtyard area had tables set up for our lunch.  Everyone joined in setting the tables and bringing out the food.  Our bread looked wonderful.

The father called us back into the cheese shed and showed us how to tell when the cheese was done.

Big heavy bowls were passed around with the ricotta in it.  Then some very large bowls were set on the table to spoon off the liquid.  I do eat with my eyes and probably wouldn't have tried if it weren't for offending them, but I must say it was good.  

The meal and "conversation" were delightful.  

We returned to the hotel around four and had time for dinner on own but no one was hungry.  We all met in Gail and Gary's room for wine and snacks.  They had a patio so everyone contributed a bottle of wine and whatever snacks we had.  It was a relaxing fun evening.  Nunzia also joined us.

Turtle Safely.......