Epiphany Celebrations

[Italy4me]

On Sunday 6th January we went to Santa Domenica to see the last of the "Precepe Vivere" (live nativity) and the Epiphany celebrations.
There were townsfolk playing all the major roles of Mary, Joseph and the 3 wise men. There is a Babbo Natale house with chimney, tree and rocking chair then another adjoining room holds the permanent display of a model village complete with fires in the fireplaces and running stream.
Some of the houses were set up as the cobbler's shop, blacksmith,an osteria and the stable where Mary, Joseph and the baby were staying.

The steps were lit with candles and the lanes with wall-mounted torches and it was absolutely beautiful.

Afterwards the children got all excited by the arrival of Befana the witch who was handing out sweets, Mickie & Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck who were having their photos taken and dancing with the kids. Two blokes on stilts were doing balloon modelling and a magician was expected.
It was getting cold and threatening to rain so, after we had been interviewed (Monica was speaking and Brian and I standing looking on in a gormless fashion) we set off for a coffee before heading off for a pizza at Da'Ersilio.
Not sure what the interview was for (television was mentioned but I hope not!) but the question was what the English thought of the proceedings and the Presepe Vivere.
This was the first year they have done it and I hope it continues. I have some photos so will upload them soon.
Lesley

[sue smith]

ooooh Stars at last !!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Sounds wonderful I wish I could have seen it

Sue

[vtrusty]

Lesley, I wish you'd stop telling us all the things we are missing!!

That sounds really great, maybe next year we'll try to be there at this time. (If we can live with our paraffin heater!!)

Keep the updates coming.

Val & Mark

[Italy4me]

Apologies Val but I will keep on waffling about how fab it is here (and feeling smug to be here full-time) 'cos I can hardly believe how great it is.
Our next outing is to Da'Ersilio on Saturday for some dancing and singing.
The Italians are very keen dancers and some of their dances are incredibly nimble - and fast!
And the other lovely thing is that all the youngsters know the dances so are happy to get up and give it a go without being in the least self-conscious.
Great stuff!
Lesley

[Italy4me]

Hi all,
I've just uploaded some photos from Sunday night-hope you like them.
Doug - you will have to get Di to take a look at this living room - it is just lovely!
http://www.scalea.info/forum/album_pic.php?pic_id=521

The Presepe Vivente (have realised I've been spelling it wrong previously) was enacted on Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd, Monday 24th, Tuesday 25th, Wednesday 26th. Then sSaturday 29th, Sunday 30th, Monday 1st, Tuesday 2nd, Saturday 5th, with Sunday 6th as the last night.

How frustrating is it to find out afterwards?! There was a whole load of folk who were over before and during Christmas who would have loved to have seen it if only they'd known, I'm quite sure....sigh!
Lesley

[Doug]

Lesley, who gave you that kitchen photo? That kitchen design was supposed to be kept confidential and a surprise for Di. It is the desired future condition simulation done by a leading architect..... HAR! Very good. doug

[Di]

You guys are quite droll, but truth be told, I could clean up that old kitchen right pretty and it would look better than a lot of the modern stuff around. I was born too late.

[JanetC]

Lesley:

Where is Da'Ersilio? Is it also a restaurant?

Janet

[Italy4me]

Yes Janet, Da'Ersilio is a restaurant between Scalea and Santa Domenica (it is where we had been partying the night before we met you.....)
It is a little difficult to find (our sat nav insisted we were driving across a field when we were heading there but the roads were perfectly fine and had obviously been there a while).
[Note to self - remember to update sat nav maps.]

If I can find it on a map I will post the link.
Lesley 8-)

[sue smith]

And a very good time we had too !!!!

[Italy4me]

Not that Steve would remember much about it :wink:
We are off there tonight for some more of the same.
Try this link :
http://maps.live.com/?v=2&cid=50D0C9E9FCB4A748!170&encType=1

I can't get the link to undeline completely so you might need to paste the other bit !170&encType=1 on the end of the address in your browser.
You also might need to zoom out/in and fiddle about a bit, but if you go to aerial you can look at aerial maps (and if you scroll up and across you can have a look for your apartments etc!)

Lesley

[sue smith]

or Brian come to that - aren't these men lightweights !!!

Thanks for link - I've emailed you with other house details etc

Have a great time tonight - have one (or 2) for me x