Alexia’s recap on her recent trip to Italy

Hey all I'm back!! Rob, Mom, Nevi & I had a great time on the trip to Italy and meeting all the people made it even better... Many great people along with some hilarious characters..

It was a lot to do in a short time, however it was necessary to visit all the wonderful places and the only way was to go non-stop! From the moment we landed until the moment we departed we were on the go..

Nevi called it being "over fed, under slept & go-go-go!!!"

At the airport when we were leaving I even got a little teary eyed. Because it was hard to leave the experience behind, as well as the friendships and bonds we made with some people.

The trip was wonderful and the places we visited we so fabulous. We started in Bologna, then went to Parma, then to Ravenna & Ferrara. The food was divine.. Every town we went to we experienced the cuisine of the region along with the specific wine & cheese only common to that particular region. The meals we had were always like a holiday, so many courses and everything from soup to nuts, and always included wine & deserts.

An example of one meal would be. Delicious breads, meats and cheeses along with antipasto to start, then a pasta course (pumpkin filled ravioli) with a parmesan cream sauce, then a risotto, then a meat course (pork with rosemary and herbs), oven roasted potato's, accompanied by various regional veggies, desert zabagione.. Then fresh cookies.. And of course always wine, wine & more wine!

It was off the wall hectic, and I wished it had been a little more relaxing and longer. But I understand in order for us to have seen what we did in the short amount of time that was the only way.... I keep bragging to everyone about the Italian ham HAAAA HAAAAAAA!!! I have never had anything like it, it was so tender, not salty and basically melted in your mouth..

All the pasta was homemade, the regions we visited which was in the Emilia Romagna region did always have cream sauces, and a lot of risotto, with the exception of Bologna where we had Bolognese sauce...

The travel time was grueling though a lot of long bus rides to reach our destinations.. The hotels were all very, very nice and each town was so quaint. With so much history, gorgeous buildings & cobble stone streets. At night the towns would be lit up with Christmas lights, and the buildings so old, but so beautiful would stand out with their bright colors and rustic flare.

We visited the factory in which Parmigiano Reggiano is actually made, then stench was very bad & I had to leave & I gagged. LOL.. Ohhh it really was bad, the combo of wood & cheese just did not agree.. It was fascinating to see the process of how it is made..

We ate dinner at a famous castle, it was divine set up with a fire place, candles, the finest linens and dinner ware MARVELOUS!

We also visited another castle and met a real Prince.. The castle was so big and the Fresco's we amazing..

We also visited a cathedral decorated in all Mosaic it was breathtaking..

We went to many sites and visited with town officials that are not normally available to tourists.

We attended the culinary institute and got a lesson in all pasta dishes.

We got to visit some beautiful open air markets in which various meats, cheeses, sweets, nuts, fresh produce and olives were displayed.

There was not much time for shopping. Although we did do some window shopping.. We did have a little time and my Mom bought me a beautiful D&G charm bracelet...

It was a marvelous experience..

My time clock is a little off but today I am starting to feel as if my jet lag is subsiding.. It is a long flight.

When we got home my Mom, Rob & I went to the market we were sooooo HUNGRY!!! LOL, I made a quick gravy and meatballs!! I did not weigh myself but I know I gained by my love handles & fat a--!! LOL LOL - All I wanted was pasta & red sauce (gravy). Then I made a beautiful salad & some rabe!!!

So getting to see these towns and the region of Emilia Romanga was amazing.. Since I had been to Italy 3 times before and went to all the major places ( Rome, Sicily, Naples, Capri, Florence & Pisa, Pompeii, Venice, Sorrento and Tuscany) to experience these new lands which are usually off the beat and track for the normal traveler was wonderful. I would highly recommend all to visit.

ANYPLACE TRAVEL
“See the World”
1450 Atwood Avenue,
Johnston RI, 02919
401-831-8000