With most of us heading back to the UK tomorrow or on to Roma, tonight those of us left headed up as a group in to the town square of Leonessa to go to a bar there. Most were just going to get panini and snack, while three of us decided to head to a restaurant or tratiatore instead for some thing more substantial. Before then we all sat down to relax and get in the first round of drinks. I still can’t believe that at ~8 pm all of us went for soft drinks, mainly granitas – mine was a water melon one that was superb. Continue reading →

The morning after and the big event and we all met up late morning to head out for lunch. The idea was to convoy on to Terminillo for lunch then those flying back this day head on to Rome, while the rest of us head off to do our own things. After stopping too soon we found the Roma Restauranti, part of the obvious ski resort. We were the only people there at first (and the others we only saw on leaving in the cafe area) on leaving. The waitress spoke good English which made life easy though personally there was only one item on the menu I did not recognise. The food was good and the service friendly. When puddings started to appear and then glasses of grappa, I was not alone in suspecting a dodgy bill, but when it came to pay the waitress explained how we had only part of the menu and so only charged up €12 each. Continue reading →

Last night I found out I’d come away with an unnoticed present from Spoleto. A parking ticket. We think that where I parked was permit only, but that. even with a permit you have to pay and display, hence the meter. Bugger. Now to work out how to pay the €80 fine.

Well today was the core reason for my trip to Italy. Steve and Alessia’s wedding. It was held in the old ‘monastic’ part of a church (I’ll try to update with the name later) with a midday start. The ceremony was held in a court yard by the major of Leonessa (an old family friend of Alessia’s ?) and the registrar. It was simple, friendly, in Italian and fun. I spent most of the time in the balcony over-looking the courtyard as one of the unofficial photographers, getting shots from up high while Pak took from ground level. Continue reading →

Think it as the bright light through the shutters that woke me at 6 a.m., but by 7:15 I had given up on sleep and rose (well my alarm was set for half past). We all gradually emerged for breakfast, including Steve, the groom, who last night had been too highly strung to be able to eat, this morning he seemed fine.

We’ve now a few hours to kill before meeting in the lobby to head down to the wedding. I’m in two minds as to whether to wear a tie. We’ve been told to dress how we want, including jeans and t-shirt so I might be the only person aside from the groom in a suit. It’s only 28 degrees here so I’m tempted, but it will get hotter later on and my pockets might be filled with spare lenses – not sure I want to take the camera bag with me.

Last night was always at risk of being chaos. 14 of us plus one youngster heading out for food as a group. The restaurant was booked by Alessia, though due to their being unhappy at dealing with such large numbers of non-Italian speakers we had to order in advance. This was the easy part.

To get to Da Mose we had to head out of town up one of the mountain roads to a small village which appeared to contain no buildings aside from An adventure/activity park. We proceeded onwards and upwards towards the summit (where I might have to return with a camera) until eventually we gave up and started back down the slope. After going through the ‘village’ once more we turned back round a second time and went to the only place, the adventure park. Guess what we found there. As pre-warned it was tatty, it was also empty. We were close to an hour late, but the food was good, the wine was good, and despite language difficulties and their initial concerns over us, service was fine and pleasant.

Once back at the hotel it was time for the bar and relaxing drinks before calling it a night.

Oh what to do. Around Leonessa there are other small villages, all with the same feel, either a few houses on the side of the hill with no obvious access from the road, else with a single medieval era street and not much more. Thus checking the guide books I noticed that Spoleto was near by and more importantly appeared to have an old Roman ampitheatre, plus a museum. There also appeared to be a 9 span medieval Roman style foot bridge near by. Continue reading →

Well it’s been over a year but I’m now back on my travels, for a purpose as well as to mark off a place I’ve always wanted to visit. So the purpose. Friend’s of mine, Steve and Alessia, are finally tying the knot in her home village of Leonessa, north east of Rome (about 2.5-3 hours drive from Rome airport). The place I’ve always wanted to go … Roma of course. Continue reading →