We have two highlights of this week: a visit from a Chicago friend Teri Somrak, and taking possession of our new car. Our itinerary for our guest included visiting sites on the sea and driving into the mountains to tour a medieval castle. Then, finally acquiring our new car was exciting for us. You can click HERE to see the photos, but be sure to read the blog too!.
We had received the documents we needed to apply for auto insurance for the car, and spent the weekend doing extensive research online, but had no success. (Back story: in Italy, one has to have insurance before one can obtain possession of a car, and we were to pick up the car in just four days.) A friend recommended Generali Insurance, but we were not able to purchase what we wanted online. So, in the interest of time, we headed to Vasto early Monday morning to the Generali office to see if they could accommodate us. We figured that we had time to do that before driving to Pescara to pick up our guest. However, the people in the office impatiently waived us away and told us to come back at 3:30 in the afternoon. Well, now, we were to be at the Pescara train station at noon, about an hour’s drive. What to do? Maybe just ask Teri to tag along with us in the afternoon, I guess.
Since we now had plenty of time, we went ahead and drove to Pescara to make sure we knew where the train station is. When we arrived, we actually had over an hour to wait. So we decided to go for walk along the beach. As we were crossing the street, Mike looked up and saw a Generali sign. He is so alert. About a 45 minutes later, we walked out with insurance for our car. I really think the stars have been aligned for us.
We got back to the station just a few minutes before Teri’s train arrived.
Since we all were hungry (lunch time) we walked to a restaurant that had been recommended, Forna a Legna. We were not disappointed. The waiter told us their specialty is a baked seafood pasta. You have to see the photos. It was delicious. We took a short walk along the beach, then headed home along the shoreline drive. It was Mike’s and my first time driving that road, and we enjoyed the views very much.
That evening our neighbors Maria, Robert and Paul came by. Giuseppe had surgery and was not feeling well, so he and Angela didn’t come. Mike grilled arrostocini, a traditional Abruzzo meat on a stick, and I made several plates of antipasti. We all had a great time.
The next morning we set off for Vasto and toured the Palazzo D’Avalos. Then to lunch at a trabocco, Trimalcione. Another amazing seven-course fish meal in an awesome atmosphere.
That evening we were too full and too tired to do anything.
The next day was an adventure. We drove to the castle at Roccascalegna. About an hour of steep, winding roads. And when we arrived, it began to rain. Luckily, we were able to purchase ponchos at the ticket office. The views from the tower are fantastic, even in the rain.
Lunch was at a highly recommended restaurant, Civico 20. When we walked in, I recognized a voice – our friends Ray and Heidi with there with another couple. A very nice coincidence. And lunch was outstanding. As we were leaving, the cook, Valentina, came out and introduced herself. I had emailed her asking if she could prepare a vegan meal for our daughter when she comes in a few weeks. Valentina is very excited about this. She said she is pulling out old Abruzzo recipes and looking forward to preparing a traditional meal.
The road home went through the little town of Tornareccio, where the mosaics “museum” is. So, Teri was fully up for stopping and walking around. Mike and I didn’t mind a bit. The mosaics are beautiful. Then a drive through Casalanguida, where Teri got to see the murals and our little village.
The next morning we took off early to get Teri back to the train station in Pescara. A fond farewell and lots of hugs occurred. We really enjoyed hosting her.
Then off to Lanciano to pick up our new car. Well, it’s two years old, but it only has 17,000 K on it and it looks like new.
I let Mike drive it (we call her “Jazz”). I thought it would make him feel better, since he keeps reminding me that
I’ve picked out the last four cars we’ve bought. We both were exhausted from the last busy days, and we fell asleep as soon as we got home.
Click HERE to see all of the photos.
The weather has changed, and Fall is definitely here. We brought out long pants and sweats. Today is a blustering windy, rainy day. A good day for some pasta fagioli.
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