Beautiful, sunny morning in Graglia- Manu took me up in the mountains and we went on a run with the chubby bulldog. He pointed out the longest moraine in the world which is a flat land mass created by glacial debris... a white glow hovered over the snow fields and blue sky embraced the stunning scenery. We grabbed an espresso in the village and went back to the flat where Mama Matilda had lunch waiting: zucchini quiche with roasted peppers and an anchovy sauce, followed by salad and rosemary pork, and finally old stinky cheese with honey and an orange. For dessert she had soaked pears in red wine, lemons, cinnamon and spices- similar to mulled wine- very good and extremely filling.
We hopped in "Cooper" and took off over the moraine, zig-zagging down through the mountains to Torino, where once in the city, we parked and Manu received a ticket for driving a car with regular gas vs. electric (cut down on air pollution). Really happy about that... we wandered 'round the city square with a million other people celebrating "Carnival." He took me to a famous cafe- Barati & Milano- founded in 1858 as a chocolate shop... they are well known for their hot chocolate, which is literally chocolate, that is hot, in a mug. You can eat it with a spoon... I reckon it's really good for you too... we were both pretty spent from the previous evening's escapades, so we hopped back in the Coop-da-loop, back to Le Village.
We put our feet up for awhile until we could no longer fight the hunger in our bellies (I'm baffled when I feel hungry- I just want to punch myself in the guts...), and he took me down to the local pizzeria for my first real Italian pizza. We shared mussels in tomato sauce, calamari and pizza with mozzarella, ham, olives and mushrooms.... everything is so fresh and made with L-O-V-E... i.e. tomato sauce is just fresh tomatoes mashed up... whole olives, fresh seafood and thin, thin crust... Mama mia! AND IT'S CHEAP... you can get a whole pizza for 5-10 euros.
Back home we shlepped, to relax and get ready for Venezia (Venice) tomorrow. I've been so grateful to have had such a dedicated "tour guide" these past few days- it makes all the difference in the world experiencing new places with locals. Especially locals that are willing, entertaining and genuine... a great end to my first month and an even better start to my Tour de Italia. I meet my group tomorrow- 15 students from Montana State, traveling together studying Italian Renaissance Art History, Digital Photography and Advanced Drawing. I've wanted to participate in this program since 2002, but college sports deterred my opportunity... when I decided to go back for a degree in Graphic Design, I promised myself I'd find a way across the pond before I had to "grow up" and fall into the economic death march called reality.
Ciao, ciao- to the city on the sea tomorrow!
For a minute there I thought we'd lost you forever! And I guess you haven't escaped winter yet have you! You are definitely making the most of your trip! Ciao.....Bertie
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