Surf and Turf

Ischia is more than an simple island. It's a whole world, with every kind of natural environment one could ever image to find on a stretch of less than 50 Kmq. More than for the surrounding sea, it is well known for the thermal springs that the underlying volcano heats up and the abundant products of its soil: wine above all. The ancient Romans called it Aenaria (the island of wine), whereas the Greeks used to call it Pithaecusa (the island of the apes). Both aspects are still reflected today by the modern inhabitants: at the same time skillful growers and winemakers (not to mention drinkers) and ... great talkers, men and women always keen to discussions and quarrels. My DNA is 50% from there: I do recognize some "hints" of these features in myself too.

The beast sleeping under its surface, the volcano has given its inhabitants one of the most fertile lands, provided there's enough rain in late springtime. After our arrival, beginning of this month, we had the pleasure to spend some time, every day, in the orchards of our relatives where they grow every kind of fruits and vegetables. We left our children going around and pick sample of almost everything. This is the time of the year when you get the most. Our kids were not used to pick fruits form the plant. I strive to think they have ever done it before. Books and Internet don't teach these things. It's the bitter wage of living in a large town.