Time for more Thirsty Exploring!
Nothing gives me joy like planning an upcoming trip, Countdown Italia! My last trip to Italy was a somewhat quick one in September 2021 when I made my first international trip since Italy had eased it’s entry requirements. I was headed to a fantastic Anniversary party for Anna & Sergio in the Alps. My friends recently found a little ski chalet for winter in Torgnon, on the way to Cervinia- which is the Italian side of the Matterhorn! As you can imagine it’s incredibly beautiful and the fresh air and views are AMAZING!
The views are AMAZING!!!
The Party was Fantastico !
The Battle of the Oranges was Canceled but not before a fight!
A year before that I had escaped the Covid quarantines and lockdowns near Milano when Covid first struck. I was at the ‘Battle of the Oranges’ Festival for the first time in Ivrea, and during that time, I think it was the second day,- it was suddenly canceled! Just like that! And I had to escape the region by jumping on train from Torino to Paris. I digress, that’s another post!
Ritorno in Giardino
I’m heading back to visit my friends in the beautiful town of Parella. Skip and Candy live in the adjoining house to Anna & Sergio with a shared terrazza (patio). They live across the street from the castle – Costello di Parella, where Anna was born! It’s a beautiful restored castle that was somewhat shut down from Covid. Hopefully it’s back to it’s beauty. I’m not one for relaxing, but there is nothing like hanging out with Anna and Sergio, visiting and working in the garden, then creating delicious meals with the garden bounty! And, Sergio has a private stash of vino he gets personally from the winery so, la dolce vita! Maybe we can even make homemade ravioli’s again!
Spinning the Wheel of Destiny
I also reconnected with my friend Nigel from the UK that I met at the Summer Jamboree, and I’m going to head down there for a quick stop on my way home to check it out. I was originally going to just train it my whole trip but I’m thinking maybe I’ll rent a car for a few days and visit some cantinas (wineries). I’m flying stand-by and my priority is bottom of the list. The ONLY good thing about Covid was being able to land a spot on a plane. But now, everyone is desperate to take a vacation and visit again so there is no telling how or when I’ll make it! I call it the ‘Wheel of Destiny’. Will it be Milano, Venice or Rome? We’ll all find out together! But, I’ll find my was to Parella one way or the other.
The Nitty Gritty ~
The Battle of the Oranges – In Ivrea the 3 days before Lent. It’s a festival to remember!
Costello di Parella – Beautiful restored Castle in the quaint town of Parella.
Summer Jamboree – Senigallia, Italy – “The Hottest Rockin’ Holiday on Earth!”
To Ivrea area
-By air from Torino Airport (TRN) and head north on E612 by car.
-By air from Malpensa Airport (MXP) – head west – A4 to E25.
-By train – Trenitalia – to Ivrea Station
To Senigallia :
-By Air closest Airport is Ancona International Airport (AOI) on the train line – EASY!
-By Car it’s on the Adriatic Sea north of Ancona along Highway A14
-By Train, Trenitalia to Senigallia Station
FOR TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES: US STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL SITE
ALL trips begin with a safety brief – BE PREPARED ! Your ULTIMATE one-stop shop for International Travel Info – Passports, Visas, Travel Advisories, Country Info, STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) CHECK IT OUT !!
FOR ALL TRAVEL PLANNING – Try out my planning sheets. The PREFLIGHT PLANNER for a travel checklist and City to City planning. The DAILY PLANNER for daily Site and Museum planning.
