Harvesting Goose Barnacles (Percebes in Portuguese)

So you might be wondering, What in the world do Liz and Graham do in Portugal to keep busy? Well many days we wake up and wonder the same thing so we must get creative.

Recently I (Graham) went fishing with Francisco(our english speaking friend who owns a local cafe), I caught nothing, he caught 2 small fish. Although we didn't have much luck he taught me how to locate and harvest Goose Barnacles (Percebes), which a are a rare delicacy and only found along the west coast of Portugal and in NW'ern Spain. You can find them at the seafood market for $100-$150 per pound or pull your own. Since $150 for less than a pound of protein once you've remove the shells is a tad out of our pauper budget, Liz and I returned the next day at low tide to try our novice hand at pulling Percebes.

After reaserching online about Percebes we learned the best and biggest barnacles are said to be located in the most secluded and hardest to reach places. Liz and I walked down the craggy rocks to the surging sea and after looking for a few minutes we located a few decent size groups of Percebes. With the new Putty knife I bought for the purpose of prying these barnacles off the rocks, I was able to pull and pry some large Percebes from the rocks. We spent about an hour searching and pulling and filled a quart size plastic bag with our first harvest of Percebes.

Afterwards we returned home and were rewared for our efforts when we tried the tasty morsels after we boiled them with bay leaves, onions, and piri-piri peppers. They were teriffic tasting - similar to that of lobster or crab! Attached are a few pictures from our meal that night.

Ciao Bella!

After our wonderful journey in Albania, we headed over the Adriatic Sea to the land where my great-grandparents came from, Italy! I have always wanted to go to Italy and experience the culture having been raised by my very Italian mother. And I was extra lucky to experience it with her=)

We spent a few days in Rome with our good friends Anna and Micah. They took us to the best restaurants and to their favorite gelato spots. We did the typical sight seeing tour around Rome, including visits to St. Peter's Basilica, St. Peter in Chains, The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Coliseum. It was wonderful.

Then we met up with my parents in Florence. There we walked around the city and were drenched in sweat by noon. Don't ever go to Italy in June! We did one of those double decker bus tours and saw the countryside of Florence which offered breathtaking views. We dined, we drank and we overindulged on gelato. I can't decide what my favorite flavor is, but I'm leaning towards Nutella!

After a few days in Florence we packed up like sardines in our tiny rental car and hit the road. We journeyed to Siena and stayed in an old castle atop a very steep hill. Aside from the hike up, we loved our place there. We could see all of Tuscany, the vineyards and the rolling hills and even Perugia (where Amanda Knox is currently serving jail time). We enjoyed shopping in San Gimignano and dining on the best pizza and panna cotta I've ever had!

Next on our trip was a visit to Assisi. We stayed in the most wonderful Villa, again on the top of a large hill. The people there were so incredibly nice and I would highly recommend their place if anyone is planning on going to Assisi (it is called Relais Parco del Subasio). My mom and I went shopping in the downtown area and also went into the Basilica of San Francesco which was absolutely beautiful! We had a really great time!

I really loved Italy and being there with my mom was an experience I will treasure always!!!

Here are a few pics!