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Meet Victor who installed himself in this little corner of the square, set up his music stand and started to play. Note, in the last photo, a small box to collect money from happy listeners. He's also selling some toys displayed on the table.
It's always a delight to see old people who live in medieval hill villages get together for a chat like this. A remote village is an environment where neighbours look out for each other. The lady on the right is blind which is pretty amazing considering these narrow, steep streets and alleyways. I watched her walk away later with her white stick tapping the walls.
The photos were taken from the far side of the square - see the other two shots which show the ladies sitting on the slope in front of the church.
There was a small market taking place in the main square of Apricale. I noticed the man on the left earlier - he was in charge of one of the stalls (see last photo) - and then later, there he was chatting to a friend as they leaned against the ancient walls of the village.
What is it with these Italians? Especially in spring.
This photo of lovers in the main square of Apricale reminds me of a favourite photo I took in Turin a couple of years ago - you see it on the left.
I have such happy memories of my time in Turin when Fabrizio of Torino Daily Photo so kindly showed me around his wonderful city. This is for you, dear Fabrizio.
So often in the medieval villages of France and Italy you'll find artists in residence - their ateliers open for business as you wander the narrow streets. Apricale goes one further and features art on some of the exterior walls. The man featured in the main photograph was a well-known villager and looks quite a character, doesn't he?
We're in the medieval hill village of Apricale. See yesterday's post for a long shot of the village showing the houses as they seems to tumble down the hillside.
I wonder many dogs have walked these same cobblestones over the centuries?
(Click on the link to see more of this dog on Riviera Dogs today.)
We're going on a little trip across the Italian border to the medieval village of Apricale.
It's only 38 ks from Monaco and about 28 ks from Menton. We simply drive through Ventimiglia, past the Roman ruins on our left and at the roundabout turn left up the Nervia valley. Apricale is 13 ks from the sea and stands at around 1000 feet above sea level.
The name Apricale comes from the Latin 'apricus' which means exposed to the sun. The first photo was taken in sunshine at the beginning of March when Peter from Paris was here. The smaller shot was taken last Sunday with Nathalie from Avignon when the sun had almost gone. It perhaps shows more detail as the sinuous cascade of houses tumbles down the hillside. (click to enlarge)
You drive a little way into the base of the village and park - and then you walk. That's it. No cars can get up the narrow medieval streets. Tomorrow we'll explore the village.
