Blogs from Piedmont, Italy, Europe - page 7

Geo: 44.6104, 7.942589th July Barolo This is a wine region. There are acres and acres of vine yards. It reminded me a bit of the Barossa back home. We went to the WiMu. Museo del Vino - The Wine museum. It's very dark, artistic, interactive and an interesting take on the history of wine. There are various floors and a great look out over the whole area. We found a slightly opened door that lead us to the roof and a small balcony and the views from here where amazing. Our teenaged daughter had a ball. It was defiantly an experience. ... read more

"What news from the cafes today?" Apparently when King Victor Emmanuel II of Turin wanted the latest political gossip, that is what he would ask his advisors. Turin is famous for its beautiful cafes and they form part of the cultural and political history of the city. While we didn't have much time, I was keen to experience some of that cafe culture for myself. I particularly loved the magnificent Caffè San Carlo, with its gilded mirrors, wonderful chandelier and fabulous waitstaff. I must say I walked in and wondered if I should be turning right around again, but a coffee here is the same price as it is anywhere else in Turin (and costs much less than it does at home), despite the decor being so opulent and the waiters so crisply attired! Apparently anyone ... read more

The view out of the window this morning took my breath away. Bells from the convent in the middle of the lake woke me, and when I opened my eyes, the mysterious glistening silver of yesterday was gone. Today the lake was uncomplicated, brilliant blue and happy. I was disinclined to move from the bed with that view out the window, but the threat of missing breakfast got me going. It was worth the effort, too. Beautiful local meats and cheese, pastries and fresh apricots that tasted like they had just been picked from someone's tree. We love all the little extras here as well, like the plate of sweet treats in the hall in case you feel a bit peckish! They are all packaged so beautifully - I'm thinking I must buy some for gifts. ... read more

The scenic bus ride through the Alps from Lyon to Turin was painless - and I paid just 15€ for the privilege. I could do with saving a bit of dough after splurging a bit in Lyon. And the heat re-entered my trip too - my last day in Lyon was a warm one and things went up a few degrees more when I arrived in Turin. Turin isn't exactly on the tourist radar; Juventus FC and the famous Shroud Of Turin were the only things that put the place on the map for me but as a fairly important Italian city, I felt the need to check it out and see if there would be anything there to surprise me. One thing that I had learnt about Northern Italy from my trip to Milan some ... read more

I just finished my first week of school, and it is quite different from the states. Instead of the kids going from class to class, the teachers switch rooms. Each class stays the same throughout the years, so the kids stay with each other every year, and teachers also teach at multiple schools. I am teaching 10-12 year olds at two different schools, and they are quite precocious. I have 20 different classes throughout the week, so my first days have been introducing myself and answering questions. Some popular ones are if I like Justin Bieber, if I prefer the mountains or the sea, and if I like kebab. The kids are good at asking questions in English, but most don't understand me when I answer. All of the teachers I work with are very nice, ... read more