Italy Journal
Thursday, January 31,
2013
THEO’S MIGHTY FINE
SUPPER!
Tonight, Theo made a super great supper for us. I am not
used to spicy foods, but Theo’s version of spicy was just enough to be very
interesting and delicious! It was good to get to spend some time with Theo and
to share her delicious meal. Thanks so much for the invitation, Theo.
Saturday, February 2,
2013
Peter passed our good friend Alberto in the courtyard; and
true to form, Alberto immediately had some wonderfully sounding event that he
invited us to attend this afternoon. It was a Beer Festival in a small town
near Alessandria. I’m sure I have told you how every town has some product that
they honor with a festival each year. This one was in honor of beer. As much
fun as we always have with Alberto, we had made plans to go to Enzo and Lisa’s
house for dinner about 6:30; so Peter told Alberto we had other plans for
dinner. Alberto insisted that he would
get us back by 8pm, but Peter made it clear that we were expected for supper at
6:30. He laughed when Alberto look shocked and said, “WHAT? Nobody here eats
dinner THAT early!” We really enjoy Alberto, and we especially appreciate the
invitations he gives us for fun, special events nearby. Next time, Alberto, ok?
And, by the way, Peter saw you coming into the courtyard at 1a.m. this morning!
I’m glad we didn’t go with you and shorten your night at the Beer Festival!
Thanks again for the invitation.
CASTELLO REALE DI
RACCONIGI
Peter has been talking about wanting to take me to a castle
about 30 minutes away; so this afternoon, we went to the ancient Castello Reale
di Racconigi. It was a huge place that had once been the fortress for royalty.
Later, the Savoy family took it over, and now it is a museum with hourly,
guided tours every afternoon (in Italian, but with an English brochure if you
ask). We arrived just in time to get into the 2PM tour, and even though we took
an English brochure, we mainly just tried to keep up with what we heard and
saw. Peter and I were both struck with how many interesting stories that
building would have to tell if it could talk. The tour guide kept making
comments like, “And after 800 years, the castle was renovated for the first
time.” As in most of Italy, it has a very long history that is fascinating. I
don’t know when I’ll ever get used to buildings being so old.
Peter and I did notice that there was no heat in this
cavernous castle, and we both wished for gloves, hats and another coat. I don’t
think anyone minded or noticed that I was cuddling up as close as I could to
Peter every time the tour leader stopped to address us as a group. It was worth
being cold for a while to get to visit this wonderful facility, though; and the
heated seats in our car helped to get our temperature back to where it belonged
after the tour. Of course, the Bicerin (hot coffee with chocolate syrup and
whipped cream on top) that we got next door at Café Converso when we returned
to Bra finished the job of warming us up. It was a delightfully fun afternoon.
DINNER WITH LISA AND
ENZO
What can I say? Dinner with Enzo and Lisa is always
scrumptious and enjoyable. Tonight was no exception. On the short walk to their
house, we talked about how much fun it was to anticipate the evening when we
join them for dinner.
We took some cheese from Giolito’s and Tiramisu from our
friend Mara at Grimaldi’s Pasta Shop, and Enzo made all sorts of other goodies…
including, mini pizzas and Italian hotdogs!
Lisa had set a gorgeous table; and we ate, talked, laughed,
and had a generally wonderful evening.
Grazie mille, Lisa and Enzo! Once again, you have provided
an evening full of favorite foods and delightful friendship. We love you both!
Colleen
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