Olive trees

This grove of very old olive trees pulled us in and we stopped for some photos.

Their trunks are twisted and gnarled and it is a wonder they still produce fruit. Younger trees are interspersed between.

Even brooms are stored in their massive trunks.

Olive wood spoons

Giuseppe Roma makes beautiful olive wood utensils. They are silky and smooth to touch and his ingenious designs will have you getting that last bit of pasta sauce out of the pot whether you are right or left handed. His skill elevates these everyday items to gallery quality.

His fame is widespread, having been featured in a Japanese magazine. We may have been his only customers on this wet, wind swept day, as he pulled us in from the alleyway for a look, with his irresistible sweet talk.

 

Ostuni

Set on 3 hills, Ostuni with it's white washed buildings and narrow alleyways is great to explore, even on a wet day. We have not managed to get much sunshine this week and it is colder and wetter each day. We came south, expecting to be warmer than northern parts, but it is not to be, yet! Our light summer layers, plus one woollen jumper and thin coat, making 5 layers in all, are keeping us from freezing when outside in the 30k/hour winds. Thank goodness I packed my Mongolian cashmere wrap!

Bright wildflowers rippled by the wind.

Too cold and wet and the fabric was back at the trulli.