Power Visit: Visiting, Sightseeing, and Sad Goodbyes

The girls get aquainted at zia Luisa's
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DAY 1: FAMILY REUNION

Following some slight confusion at the train station, we were on our way.  Zia Pinuccia, Johnny and I embarked on my first ever train trip.  We were headed from Milano to Conegliano in the Veneto. We were so excited to be going to see the rest of the family.  My husband hadn't seen them in 28 years. Zia had packed us lunch which we enjoyed during the 4 hour trip.  All went well, until we were almost to our destination.  Since it was not the final destination of the train, it would only be stopping for 2 minutes.  Zia suggested that we get our bags, and wait by the door.  She and I were fine, but Johnny got motion sickness standing in that most wobbly part of the train.  Oh well, lesson learned.

Everyone around the table after dinner.
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We were greeted in Conegliano by Johnny's zia Luisa and her daughter-in-law, Sonia.  They drove us to our lovely, centuries old B&B.  It is a restored villa, complete with antiques, shutters (which everyone in Italy have), doves nesting in the tree outside our window, and of course cats.

Once we were settled into the B&B, Sonia and her daughter Valentina came and picked us up.  They brought us over to zia Luisa's and zio Romano's home for dinner.  We had a delicious meal of lasagne,veal, muchrooms and salad.  Followed by a great tart.  This kitchen is definatly the hub of the home.  It is so welcoming, and has a wood-burning oven in the corner for baking pizza etc.

Lunch in Asolo
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Following dinner, more family came over for a visit. After much photo-taking and giving of the Canadiana gifts, it was time to go back to the B&B.

When we got back to the B&B we could see fireworks going off in a neighboring village.  It was some sort of celebration.

DAY 2: POWER SIGHTSEEING

We awoke early for our big day of sightseeing with some of the family.  It was going to be a big day for us as we had to do all of our sightseeing today.  As we were waiting in the driveway of the B&B for zio Luigino to pick us up at 9 am, our hostess,  Patrizia came and told us that zio had just called to say that they wouldn't be coming until a bit later.

A quaint street in Asolo
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We took a short walk into the village, where we had espresso at a local bar (cafe).  As we were walking back, and elderly lady who was out sweeping her sidewalk stopped us.  In Italian, she asked us if we were engaged or married, and then gave us compliments and shook our hands.  We were stunned.  These are things that you read about, but you never think that you will experience people like this for yourself.

We met zio Luigino, and zias Graziella & Pinuccia on our way back to the B&B.  Time to get down to the nitty gritty of sightseeing as we only had this one day and a lot to see and do.

Terraced vineyards of the Valdobbiadene
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With zio Luigino at the wheel we were in Asolo in no time at all.  Asolo is a charming, medieval, hilltop town complete with a castle.  We ate panini & drank Prosecco on the terrace of a lovely restaurant at the castle.  This is where we had our first (and as it would turn out, last) experience with a toilet that was floor level.  Quite interesting.  I don't know how an arthritic person would do though,  you really do need to be quite flexible.

On to Palladio's town and a quick photo op with the dome and the little leaning tower.

Johnny with the Borsoi's, zia Pinuccia, and zio Beppe
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Then we drove through the Valdobbiadene, the prosecco grape vineyards.  These are incredibly beautiful with their terraces.  A couple of photos out of the car window was all there was time for.

Zio dropped zia Pinuccia, Johnny, and myself off at Johnny's uncle's home.  This uncle is Johnny's father's brother Beppe.  Beppe is a kind soul.  He and his wife Gemma were gracious hosts to us.  Beppe proudly showed us his property with polental corn and grapes.  We also met their son Tony, their daughter Daniela and her son Fabio.

Later Luigino picked us up and brought us to their home.  Here we had yet another wonderful meal with family, Luigino, Graziella, Gianluca, Beppino, Pinuccia, Johnny, and Me.  Risotto salad, green beans, sopressa, fagioli, salad, veal, fruit, cheese, panna cotta, cake, and Grappa were all on the menu.

Back to the B&B exhausted yet again.  As tired as we were though, we were unable to sleep for a long time.  We were too sad to sleep.  We had just met these wonderful people,  whom had welcomed us into their homes and already we had to say goodbye to them the next morning.  We were heartbroken that we wouldn't be able to spend more time with our family.