Sunday, October 31, 2021

October 31: Foligno to Campello sul Slitunno

 
Happy Halloween!  


They celebrate Halloween here in Italy but, it is not an official holiday.  Hmmm -- I don't think it is an official holiday in the U. S. either.  I think of an official holiday as one where you get the day off.  Of course, if you are retired, supposedly every day is a holiday, but Uhm - no!  I feel like I work even harder now that I am "retired."


I saw this beautiful white horse on my way out of Foligno.


Lots of bikes on the trail today.  They were all going this same way as I was.  There were six handsome Italian men in this group.  Not bad scenery!


I had several sections that were almost like tunnels.  


See that town far away.  I am headed there, but then I have more to go.  You are looking at  Upper Trevi, which goes back to the first century B. C. No night over here because I am continuing on to Campello sul Clitunno.


Getting closer.


Today was the final day of the Olive Oil Festival.  And being all hallows eve, there were lots of kids dressed in costume.


There were also many booths selling all kinds of flea market stuff.  I did wander down the aisle that was selling local cheese.  YUM!  I didn't buy any because I would have to carry it.  Same with the olive oil.  I really wanted to buy some good olive oil, but again, I would have to tote it for the rest of the day.  I have gotten very particular about what I am willing to put in my backpack. I stopped at a bar and had a Coca-Cola Zero, and people watched. It was a good time for a break as I had just finished some pretty serious up.



Look at these incredible fresh vegetables.  No wonder I am enjoying the food so much...maybe too much? My next vacation may be at a fat farm.

The scenic peephole as I am leaving Trevi.

Roma, just 215 kilometers!


Looking back at Trevi.


The continuation of the locals working in the olive groves.


Crates filled with fresh-picked olives.  I finally got a look at the way the Italians shake the branches to free the olives.  They have a long stick that sounds a bit like you are in a dentist's office but not the high-pitched drill, but the deeper sounding one.  On the end of the pole is a gizmo that reminds me of a Beenie and Cecil  (anyone remember them?) beenie with a twirly bird on top. They shake the branches until the olives fall out onto the green mesh.


Excited to see that the little book exchanges are in other countries also.  We have one right across the street from us in Louisville.


Just a bit of humor.  I was in desperate need of a bathroom, and this green sign described precisely my condition.  But Pissignano, the name of the town, was proof that God has a sense of humor.  Ahhhhhh...relief.


This beautiful swan is in the pond at Fonti del Clitunno. I will have to come back by here tomorrow.  The guidebook that I have told me not to follow the Camino signs that they would lead me away from where I am staying tonight.  So, as much as I become totally insecure (not quite a basket case) without all my little signs -- yep, got lost.  I am not listening to that guidebook again.  Every time I get lost.  So I ended up part of the way out on tomorrow's trail.  It didn't really add much mileage just some stress.  I ended up asking for directions about five different times but I made it, thanks to some very nice Italians.


This photo is just for my handsome husband.  If you don't know the story, when he was a kid, he and his best friend went to a home show or fair, and signed up for everything they could.  They each won free accordion lessons, and Dennis' mom was so excited that she made him spend the summer learning the accordion instead of playing ball with his friends.  So once again, dear, you could have played for our supper.


The pizza oven!  Although I wasn't by any means the ugly American, I was totally frustrated or should I say hangry at what I thought was 7:30.  That is what the sign said for my included meal.  I went downstairs and the only server who spoke English told me they were late with lunch so it wouldn't be until 8:00.  Grumbling, to myself, I went back to my room and waited for the half-hour, complaining only to Dennis via text. I went back downstairs and a different server told me it was only seven.  I argued (nicely, I hope) and pointed to my iPad, and said no it was 8:00.  Opps -- I was wrong.  Daylight savings started today at 3:00 a m.  I thought it was tonight.  Anyways, the nice server and the pizza guy took my order early.  Needless to say, I left a large tip.


First, they gave me this focaccia bread to go with my wine.  It was scrumptous. Amazing what a little rosemary and olive oil will do.


I would marry the pizza guy if he wasn't about 40 years younger then me plus I am kinda fond of Dennis. This was the best pizza I have ever had.  OMG  As I have heard my whole life "It'us so good it'da make your tongue slap your brains out." It was rich tomato sauce, tomatoes and the green globs are spinach and basil.  But the most unusual thing was that it had walnuts on it.  Good old English Walnuts. I would have never thought to put walnuts on a pizza. I could only eat half of it but you can take it to the bank that I brought the rest of it with me. Look carefully in the background, the candle was a bottle of Jack Daniels Black. 

So tomorrow I head for Spoleto for two nights.  

Happy Halloween! May your trick or treat bag be full of blessings (and candy!).













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