Ginestra in flower
Front view of Le Ginestre B&B, Assisi
Le Ginestre is the brain child of our friend Francesca. She rescued an abandoned farmhouse about ten kilometres outside of Assisi and with a lot of foresight and ability to communicate with tradesmen, has transformed it into a wonderful B&B and fledgling olive oil farm.
Le Ginestre refers to a wildflower that grows abundantly in the area. It has a flower that is yellow like the colour of wattle, and grows on long reed-like stalks. I have done a little digging around and it appears there is a plant that can be referred to as the broom plant, and this seems to be one of the species., This version has no leaves, and it is easy to imagine the stalks being tied together to make a straw broom.
A view from the back of Le Ginestre B&B to the rolling hills of Umbria
Ginestra grows both as a low and high bush
As I mentioned in my previous blog, Francesca lives here with six year old Ruby, and four and a half year old Freddy.
Ruby goes to school six days a week, from around 8am until 1pm. A little school bus collects her every morning from the house. She showed me her school work, and I could benefit from going with her. Lots of Italian grammar and construction of plurals and feminine and masculine words.
Freddy’s bus comes about half an hour later. Even though he is only in pre-school, he has a longer day than Ruby, from around 9am – 3pm. The difference is that he only goes to school Monday to Friday. He spends the day wearing a cute blue smock over his regular clothes. A golden tan hooded scarf completes the look. Together with his full head of hair, he looks like a bohemian artist. Too cute.
The school bus gives a toot on the horn to signal it’s arrival
Maya can hear Ruby running down the stairs
A quick wave from Ruby as she off to the school bus
Freddy’s running for the school bus. By the time he comes back in the afternoon he has to be carried off, as he has fallen asleep on the way home.
Freddy looking too cool in his school smock
Street scene around Milan railway on a rainy morning
A close up of the facades of apartments near Milan railway station
Main entrance to Milan Central railway station
The interior of Milan Central railway station is just as grand as the entrance
Arrival and Departure Board at Milan Central Railway Station – one of these must be our train!
Our Red Arrow awaits
A train with a bar – we are really in the cradle of civilisation
The sexy Fiat Cinquecento (500) – great for two people
The Reluctant Retiree 
Finally a chance to reply. I have been keeping track of your travels, and I must say “totally jealous” !!! Italy is even more beautiful and picturesque than I remembered at the ripe of age of 10 (1971) when I left Italy with the family, always thinking I would return soon. The years have flown by and nearly 42 years later I still have not managed to get there. You have inspired me!! My goal is to get there ASAP!! Lol… Hope you and Bill are having a fabulous time, how could you not, despite the dreary weather, it will only get warmer as summer approaches.. Have fun, create a lifetime of memories… Enjoying your blog, at least I get to live my dream of travelling through virtual reality, better than not at all I suppose.
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Well done Gwen – you got the pictures! What lovely kids! I wonder what the Aussie Mums would think of a pre-schooler having such long days away from them?!
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I agree. And what about school on Saturdays? We’d have a revolt from the kids, and actually it’s a lot of work for the parents too.
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Ida would love all the well-tended veggie patches. I can picture her here. Maybe you should plan to bring her 🙂
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Glad Freddy helped you get your pictures posted, Gwen. I’m enjoying this immensely! Thanks!
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Glad to hear you like it Joy. I can also claim the credit for finally working out how to get the pictures uploaded. Thank goodness.
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Fabulous Gwen love the photos interspersed with text!! Keep enjoying!
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I seem to be able to learn one new thing per day. Managed to get the pictures up without calling on Freddy. Should be able to give lessons by the time I get back. Thanks for the upbeat feedback. GG
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