Started with a walking tour of Vicenza's central park, not quite as grand as New York's, but notable for its residents: wild rabbits, chickens, beavers, geese, and ducks, all living harmoniously and free. The park was once a private estate. We then went to the uppercrusty hills on the south side boasting amazing views, estates, and a gorgeous basilica. We then drove further south to the vineyards, as this is a big Cabernet region that reminded me a lot of Tuscany and the trip I made there with my friend Frank in 1997. Had a great lunch at a restaurant that had excellent food and a million dollar view. For some reason I forgot to take a picture of the view. The lunch was a regional specialty, made from reconstituted salted dried cod. It was amazingly delicious, as was the house Cab!
Made my way back to Aviano by train and bus, which was an adventure unto itself. At Treviso, where I changed trains, there is a pizza kiosk with the most amazing pizza I've ever had. Yesterday's pizza going there was grilled vegetables with anchovies. Tonight was chopped tomatoes and different cheeses. In trying to navigate the local bus service from Pordenone I didn't count on the bus stop being at a gate that closes at night :(. I had to walk about a mile to the main gate...good exercise.
Claudio and Paola were great hosts and want me to come back before I leave. That "leaving" is likely to be next Wednesday the 5th.
