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Published: April 12th 2008
View from room
This was my view from the hotel at Portovenere. Well, today was a terribly rain, overcast day, so I thought it would be fun (?) to just drive on up to Parma. Heck, I am an Americano, so I figured I would drive up, see a 30-foot tall cow statue holding a giant piece of Reggiaono Parmesan to indicate factory tour here. It does not quite work that way here. I did not find a single tour for cheese, prosciutto or balsamic. For that matter, I couldn't even find anyone that spoke English to help me. I drove past lots of plants that produced these yummy goods, but they were not open to the public. I did see several shops, but they were closed. This is not really tourist country to begin with I don't think and this is definately not tourist season. I had an incredible pizza at a place in Modena, which made the whole driving thing worthwhile. They sent me to a mall to look for balsamic, but nah, nothing. Now I know that I can pronounce balsamico in Italiano, but each person I asked just looked at me with a blank stare. Hmmm. Anyhow, it was a nice drive even through torrential downpours on a freeway
On top of the castle in Vernazza
This old castle was one of the points in the picture that I so wanted to see. What an incredible view from up there. that was right out of a video game. My California driving instinct kicked in, so I was fine, but trying to read roadside signs in Italian, watch out for other cars and plot where to go was kind of trying. I also missed my friend Lorena, as I drove a little 5 speed Fiat with all the power of my Dad's lawn mower. (for those of you who don't know, Lorena is my car back in Oregon)
I drove back and read in the hotel for a bit before heading out for the second time to the best restaurant I have been to yet. I ate there my first night here in Portovenere, and went back. They were packed, so I sat with an Italian guy who I think is dating or married to the server. He didn't speak English, but we had some good charades and that wonderful Spanitalish that I have perfected. He gave me some of his appetizer. I am still not sure what is was, but I think it was a breaded and deep fried anchovy or sardine. Whatever it was, it was good. On another note, Pesto is from this region and they have
On top of the world.
Finding this place was such a journey. Loved this view. Will remember it always. a pasta with a little potato mixed in that is made specifically for pesto pasta. Darn, I am so fat and happy right now having had a giant plate of this washed down with a small bottle of Cinque Terre white wine. I did have a salad, so it was a healthy meal (almost like a multivitamin with all the veggies in the salad)
I take the train tomorrow to Firenze, where hopefully I will be able to post some of the pictures I have taken. I do want to thank you for reading and for all of the great comments and messages you have sent. As a talker, I am having withdrawl symptoms from not being able to chat up a storm with anyone I meet. I appreciate all your thoughts.
Ciao,
B
I am now in Florence and have uploaded 7 pictures to this. If you can only see the one, just click on it, and it will open a new window that will allow you to see the other ones.
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Ted
non-member comment
nice drive
Hi B, Sounds like quite a fun drive! All in the rain and on dads mower. You rock! Even though I can't pronounce anything that you have eaten it all sounds great to me. Maybe I will celebrate tonight by going to the beer tasting again. Have fun and live the dream.