Up and Down Again

 Buon giorno,

I don't know which weather forecast to believe. They contradict each other. Rain was in the forecast for today, but it turned out sunny and warm, which was fine with me since I was out and about.

Occupying a commanding position on a hill across the Adige is Castel San Pietro.  It looks really cool, but unfortunately it is not open to tourists. Nevertheless, a stroll through town leaving the historic center for a more real neighborhood, will take the visitor, i.e. me, to the Porta Pietra. You can enjoy the view above.

It is possible to climb to the Castel, and many younger and fitter people do that. I took the funicular and got a discount for being old. I get a huge kick out of riding funiculars, but this one was pretty short. At the top is a cafe and viewpoint. I was also grateful to find a free toilet, since I was determined to walk down.

I expected scenic paths. What I got was a zillion stairs. This reminded me of my adventure in Naples some years ago. My knees have never forgiven me. But this was all right. I took it slowly and eventually arrived at street level.

My next target was the Roman Theatre.

But Pil, you saw this already.

No. I visited the amphitheatre, which is enclosed. A Greek--or in this case Roman--theatre is open on one side. Confusion about this is common, but I taught Art History, so I have no excuse. I stopped on the street to consult my map, and a very kind older woman decided to help me. I actually understood what she said to me in Italian, but she quickly switched to English. It's these little acts of kindness that make traveling so fulfilling.

Once at the theatre, which was just down the street,  I got a discount for being old once again, but this sight was difficult for me and not that interesting. I made my way back stopping at some gourmet food stores to snoot around.

I hoped to get some foccacia at the market, but when I arrived at Piazza Bra, no market was to be found!  I can try again some other day. It would probably help if I googled which days it operated.

Because I enjoy limoncello, and I can get the exact same brand I had in Sicily at my local Trader Joe's, I decided I needed to try the Northern Italian version from Lago de Garda. It's called Limoncino. Let's have a sip. Hmmm. It's good. There is a distinct different from limoncello, but I can't put my finger on it. I think my fellow citizens would like this if it were available in the USA. I'd never heard of it though.

Ciao for now.