We made it at last! We stayed with Lorenza outside Milan at Missaglia. Our first real day in Italy was a leisurely lunch that Lorenza made for us that lasted until about 5 PM. We then headed off to Lake Como for a beautiful sunset. Next day we picked up Yukako, Lorenza´s friend and tenant, and headed off to a beautiful, though slightly misdirected at first, mountain drive to meet up with Ilaria in her home town of Sottochiesa (Taleggio). Had another leisurely lunch then a nice short hike up to a medieval town. Picking super small strawberries that pack a burst of flavor and avoiding a big snake. We thought our friend Matt came from the smallest town, but Ilaria´s got him beat at only 200 population. Next day we had a fabulous cold cuts and cheese lunch. Went for the shortest tour ever of Bergamo to meet up with Ilaria one last time and then caught our flight out to Rome.
In our time with Lorenza we got a chance to meet her beautiful horse, Queensy. And her dogs, Sinbad and Jeanie, were our constant companions.
We had a short time in Rome, just about 24 hours. Stayed in Uberto´s apartment, which is only a two minute walk from the Pantheon! It was too bad Uberto was not in town. But Lorenza directed us to good places to have the best coffee and pizza, so we were set. Besides seeing the Pantheon, we got in a few Caravaggio paintings at churches nearby and even stumbled on a free showing of one in a private collection. Hung out at Piazza Farnese for our pizza and the Trevi Fountain for a gelato. Went twice to Tazza D´Oro for cappuccino. We left Italy quite content. I think it was enough to get Eddy hooked, he is now talking about coming back and is constantly saying how beautiful the country is!
We are currently in Vigo, Spain hanging out with our good friend Manuel and his girlfriend Carolina. So far we´ve already had this crazy dinner of shell fish along the coast. We are looking forward to a lazy two weeks here.