Casa di Durbo

And then we found ourselves in paradise. Our second farm was located about 7km outside of Noto. We stayed there for the month of May. Here they grew every kind of citrus fruit and we learnt citrus tree micro surgery - grafting a lemon with an orange tree. Amongst other things we helped to minimise possible damage caused by local pyromaniacs and planting and maintaining the ‘orto’ (veggie garden). This is a critical and stressful period as the next years supply of tomato related goods relies entirely on this. The farm was located in a lush valley, our nearest neighbours were bees in hives constantly buzzing away.

The mobile phone mobile. Hang your phone here and hope for reception.

Our companion ‘Macchia’

We had fresh water pool that was filled by the natural spring on the farm. Bliss. Every 10 days or so it turned green and became home to frogs, bugs and tadpoles so we emptied and then refilled which took about 3 days. It was worth the wait.

Some of the 80 odd tomatoes we planted, we’re returning in August to reap the rewards!!

Wild strawberries that Noto is well known for.

All the water on the farm is obtained from this ancient spring. Water is directed into a large basin for irrigation or straight to the drinking water tank. It’s a pretty amazing system that was used here initially by the Arabs to water the cultivated terraces.

The last fava’s of the season drying out.

Jerry modelling The Ewa and Jono T-Shirt.

The hammock taking a rest.