Wine Country, Italian Style

Wine Country, Italian Style

Our original plan was to travel east after leaving the Valle Maggia eventually ending up in Slovenia which had been so highly recommended by our friends John and Barbara Boyle. It turns out that there were winter weather issues throughout the Alps which included our intended path of travel. On the way from Interlaken we suffered a two hour backtrack due to a closed pass. The GPS tried to get us to go the long way around but I asserted my superior directional instinct. We finally turned “the Bitch” off (our pet name for the voice in the GPS due to her naggy tone). We climbed up a beautiful valley south of Interlaken passing through quaint Swiss villages with surprisingly light traffic. After about an hour of driving we passed through one village and as we came out the uphill side there was a gate across our side of the road with a lengthy sign in German You would have enjoyed watching us sit there wondering what the $%^&* was going on. Jamie finally found an English speaker in the Inn who brightly advised her that the pass should be open by June 1^st. I know I’m a better person for having gone through my trials and tribulations, but……………..damn, I could have done without that. The Bitch was right.....I hate when that happens. We did however learn what that "closed in winter" symbol on the map was trying to tell us and decided to head for the warmth of the Mediterranean.

Tonight we are in the Piemonte region of North Western Italy. I followed the directions from the Bitch faithfully and she got us to a very remote location flawlessly. It is rolling hills wine country. Our Inn is on a hill way off the beaten path with a view across two directions of vineyard valleys. I took a long walk this afternoon through the vines while Jamie took a nap. We are waiting for the Restaurante’ to open at 7:30. They open early as a concession to guests but generally distain people that don’t wait until ten or eleven to start dinner. It’s pretty interesting when we understand none of the menu and they understand nothing that we are saying. We know it’s our problem being mono-linguistic Americans but it is interesting none the less. So far we’ve had wonderful meals despite our ignorance.

We’ve had very little television on this trip. Jamie is having American Idol withdraw. You haven’t lived until you’ve watched Bay Watch in Italian. It is either that or the 1988 rerun of the world Cup Soccer championship game. I think that was the last time Italy won. We are catching up on our reading and listening. It’s been so long since I’ve actually read a book. I’ve been a good listener on my bike and walks but have no time to sit down and read. I picked up one of the books that Scott finished in Murren and have been enjoying a chance to read again. Another goal for retirement.

The Kids were able to trade a couple of update texts with us today. The are having a great hike. The trek is everything they imagined. Lots of history, wonderful weather and great food. all is well with generation X.

Another exciting adventure is about to take place. The room is equipped with a bidet and I’m determined to take the plunge when the time is right. This trip could make me more sophisticated, more European, although I have trouble visualizing James bond and a bidet. I’m sort of thinking that the worst that could happen is that I’d like it. I'll let you know.

Here are some pictures for the day