About 15 of us to went to a ceramic factory today in Cutrofaino, Italy. One of our landlords knew the owner and opened up for us today, (big deal i assume since it was palm sunday)

It was about a 2 hour car trip. The factory had outdoor and in door ceramics, tons to choose from. The difficult part was trying to decide what to buy. Since we are all here from the states, it is always in the back of our minds,"how am i going to get this home to the States?" To play it safe, smaller and utilitarian tends to win out.

Since it was palm sunday, the trips thru the numerous little towns were fun. Olive branches were used instead of plam frawns. Everyone was carrying them aournd the chruchs, large crosses were made from olive branches. We ran across a few processions where they carried the cross from the church and the parisoniers followed.

Sundays are family dinner days and most restaraunts are closed. On the way to the ceramic shop, the towns were full of life and the streets were full of people. 1:30 on the way back, the streets were empty, Many of towns felt like abandon movie sets. We finally found an open restaraunt. There was a large table of about 26 people celebrating an anniverary or birthday, we lucked out. We had a great meal and wine.

It was a good day.