Cats

How is it that cats are always able to look so dignified, now matter how humble their circumstances may be?

Unmentionable

This is the coat of arms painted on the ceiling of the entryway to the courtyard shown in yesterday's post. Each noble family had its own coat of arms, often represented in a stone carving above the main entryway to their "palazzo."

This family name cannot be spoken because locals believe that saying the name brings on bad luck. Who knows how these things get started, but once they are rooted in popular belief, they tend to stick. I have a friend whose surname is said to bring bad luck, and there is a building down on the port belonging to another noble family whose name should never be said aloud.

This phenomenon has even happened to entire towns...in that case people refer to "that town" without naming it specifically. Unfortunately, it even happens to individual people, who are reputed to cause misfortune.

In this day and age, people joke about these things, but I think that on some primordial level, many still believe.

Courtyard

This inner courtyard can be found on Via Amente in Molfetta Vecchia, the historic center of town. I took so many photos, but none came out very well. This is the best of the lot.

This building has a name, but I can't tell you because it's bad luck to say that particular name. Come back tomorrow to see the unnameable family coat of arms.

White on White

We have been having a lot of rain with thunderstorms over the past week. This is quite unusual for June and has been ruining a lot people's vacation plans...people who organised beach holidays and instead of lying around in the sun in bikinis had to stay indoors with long pants and sweatshirts!

But, the rain is wonderful for the local vegetation and we have to be thankful for every drop that falls in a region that is battling against the phenomenon of desertification. And the cooler temperatures are a welcome relief from the oppressive heat that plagues us for most of the summer months.

p.s. My comment yesterday about the "architectural splendors" to be unveiled was tongue-in-cheek. I'm sure what lies below the wrappings on that building will be no more interesting than say, the building in this picture. Despite the great view on our seaside promenade when looking towards the sea, if you turn around and look inland the buildings are pretty dismally bland.

All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go

This apartment building on the seafront promenade is under wraps while its exterior is being renovated. Who knows what marvels of architectural splendour will be revealed when it is unwrapped!

Tiny

Nothing like perspective to make you feel tiny and insignificant in the great big world.

Molfettan Faces: Lullaby Design

Grazia is a local craftsperson who designs and produces one-of-a-kind costume jewelry pieces, including necklaces, bracelets and earrings. She uses semi-precious stones, modelled clay, metal and a variety of other materials.

Her shop, Lullaby Design (click on the name to go to her site), is located in Molfetta's old town on Via Morte (which translates as Death Way, but don't let that put you off!) just past the Chiesa della Morte. She can make you a piece of jewelry to order, to coordinate with a particular outfit or to suit your individual style, and she also repairs existing items.

Her prices are reasonable and she's a lot of fun. Definitely worth a visit if you happen to be in town!

Public Housing

These buildings are "case popolari," or low-cost public housing. They are very bare bones architecturally, both inside and out, and looking a little worse for wear. What you can't see in this picture, however, is that they are located on the seafront. On the other side of the building they have a beautiful view of the sea!

After the Storm

Summer Storm

Bright streaks of lightening, deafening thunder, rain pounding down full force...and half an hour later the sun is shining!

The Old Lighthouse

Although this is a very messy photo visually, I like it because it includes so many essential elements of Molfetta's old town. The intended "subject" is the older lighthouse of the two on our port. It was inaugurated in 1857. In the foreground are the fishing boats that guarantee the livelihood for many local families.

To the left of the lighthouse, you see the Duomo (built in 1150, Romanesque-Apulian style). Between the twin towers of the Duomo the spire of the Church of Saint Anthony is peeking through. To the right of the lighthouse the false front-style facade of the Cathedral of Saint Mary Ascension (completed 1744) is visible. And, to the far right, stands the bell tower of the Church of St. Stephen (13th century).

These are not all of the churches present in Molfetta's tiny old town, but a fair share!

The New Lighthouse

Over the centuries, Molfetta's port has continued to expand and grow. Though not "new" by any means, this little red lighthouse is the newer of the two in the harbour. I like the color-coordinated details on the attached building.

Torrione Passari

For historical information about Torrione Passari click on this previous post.

Bouquet Away!

This lovely bouquet was floating out in the open sea off the coast of Molfetta the other day. We are not sure why...what do you think?

Molfetta Postcard

A classic shot of the Molfettan skyline with small fishing boats and pleasure craft in the foreground. I believe this is the view of our city that all emigrants hold dear to their heart when far away.

Quicksilver

Yesterday afternoon I saw this lovely sailboat docked alongside the fishing boats in Molfetta's commercial harbour. It caught my attention because it was flying the flag of the USA. So, I just had to go over and introduce myself to Bill and Caroline and find out who they were and where they were from. Turns out they are an English couple, but had lived in the US. They had sailed over to Italy from Croatia and are working their way down the Adriatic Coast. I wish them a wonderful trip!

Nettuno Beach Club

Continuing our tour of local private beach clubs...the photo was shot poolside at the Nettuno Beach Club. This is quite a large operation complete with giant pool, diving pool, baby pool and beach access.

Molfetta is located on the Adriatic Sea and our summer is already in full swing here, so going to the beach is a primary activity for all those people who can do it...such as children, students, housewives, basically anyone who is not working can be found at the beach for part of the day!

Nautilus Beach Club

The Nautilus is another private beach club located on the Molfetta coastline. It is a favorite with kids because it has a large swimming pool with four diving boards at varying heights and a water-slide. Parents here always complain about how they wish their kids would spend more time in the sea, but the kids spend endless fun-filled hours jumping in and climbing out of the pool!

Pizza Night

Thursday night is pizza night at my house. I make two or three different pizzas, but my children always want one with hot dogs and another with pesto. The pizza above has fresh tomatoes, rugola, aged ricotta and mozzarella.

Lafayette Hotel Pool

The pool...the sea...what a choice!

Lafayette Hotel

The Lafayette Hotel is located right on the beach just outside of town. Besides being a hotel it also has a restaurant, a hall where you can hold a wedding or other large party, and a fantastic private beach club. Stop by tomorrow for a photo of the pool.

A Good Book at the Beach

Happy Birthday, Danny

Five hours of non-stop basketball, interrupted only for snacks. The ideal 12th birthday party!

Hi-ho Cherrio!

These cherries were picked off a friend's tree...it's really summer now!

Adriatic Sea

Cemetery

Rainbow

Waiting Room

I wonder if the chairs at the dentist's office absorb the nervous anxiety of everyone who sits on them?

Monthly Theme Day: Feet

The feet of the future generation are fidgety, footloose and fancy-free.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants