Assisi, Villa San Nicola and Ortona
And the journey continues. On our way to Villa San Nicola and Ortona to reunite with more family, we stopped in Assisi to see St. Francis of Assisi Church. The church sits high on a hill above the town of Assisi, and is an amazing sight as you walk down the old narrow street. There is so much to see and history is deeply imbedded in the walls; difficult to take it all in. As we were ending our tour of the church the skies opened up and heavy rain blanketed the streets. During a brief lull we made our way up the street to Ristorante San Francesco - Assisi for lunch. We were told it never rains so heavily this time of year; was this some kind of sign? Our meal was absolutely magnificent; the creamy Carbonara was the best I've ever had, and I hope that I will be able to recreate it at home.
As we drove into the country and arrived in Villa San Nicola I was transported back in time. This was truly an old Italian village with narrow cobblestone streets and homes that seemed to have stood still in time. We were greeted by his cousin who had to take us down a very narrow "street" to get to his new home, which was large in comparison to those that had been there for so many years.
We were warmly welcomed by his family, and they put us in the apartment that was open on the ground floor. His cousin built the home with three floors to accommodate all of his family; room enough for his children and grandchildren. In true Italian fashion he wanted his family close; such a wonderful thing to see today.
Our time with them was wonderful. The first night we went out for pizza, and met his daughter and her fiancé who spoke English. It was nice to have someone that could translate for me; although at times I truly enjoyed just listening to them as they caught up on the many years that had passed since they last saw each other.
The next day we drove along the coast on the Adriatic Sea. They took John to see his aunt (his mother's sister) that he had not seen for almost thirty years. She did not recognize him at first, but when she realized who he was her eyes brightened. It brought tears to his eyes as he could see his mother in his aunt's eyes. It was wonderful to see this reunion.
We were treated to lunch at a restaurant on a pier over the sea. I have never had a meal like this; six courses spread over 2-3 hours. There were many different types of fish and seafood as each course was presented; some familiar and some not. I was unsure about a few of them, but was a good sport and tried most of it - even the Octopus.
On our last day we went to see the vineyard that has been in the family for generations. They no longer make wine, but sell the grapes they harvest. They also grow and harvest olives. The beauty and silence wraps around you while walking through the grapevines and olive trees planted on this ground, and it brings a sense of peace to your soul. When you get to the dirt road you are greeted with a magnificent view of the mountains.
After a trip into Ortona to walk around the port and see Castello Aragonese we returned home to relax and visit. We were treated to an amazing meal with pasta, mussels, clams, and other seafood; enough to fill you up for a long while. The fresh foods they use are filled with wonderful aromas and flavors.
It was difficult for our visit to end; first because we enjoyed our time with them so much, and also because this small, old Italian village made you feel at home. Perhaps a piece of it will return home with us.
As we drove into the country and arrived in Villa San Nicola I was transported back in time. This was truly an old Italian village with narrow cobblestone streets and homes that seemed to have stood still in time. We were greeted by his cousin who had to take us down a very narrow "street" to get to his new home, which was large in comparison to those that had been there for so many years.
We were warmly welcomed by his family, and they put us in the apartment that was open on the ground floor. His cousin built the home with three floors to accommodate all of his family; room enough for his children and grandchildren. In true Italian fashion he wanted his family close; such a wonderful thing to see today.
Our time with them was wonderful. The first night we went out for pizza, and met his daughter and her fiancé who spoke English. It was nice to have someone that could translate for me; although at times I truly enjoyed just listening to them as they caught up on the many years that had passed since they last saw each other.
The next day we drove along the coast on the Adriatic Sea. They took John to see his aunt (his mother's sister) that he had not seen for almost thirty years. She did not recognize him at first, but when she realized who he was her eyes brightened. It brought tears to his eyes as he could see his mother in his aunt's eyes. It was wonderful to see this reunion.
We were treated to lunch at a restaurant on a pier over the sea. I have never had a meal like this; six courses spread over 2-3 hours. There were many different types of fish and seafood as each course was presented; some familiar and some not. I was unsure about a few of them, but was a good sport and tried most of it - even the Octopus.
On our last day we went to see the vineyard that has been in the family for generations. They no longer make wine, but sell the grapes they harvest. They also grow and harvest olives. The beauty and silence wraps around you while walking through the grapevines and olive trees planted on this ground, and it brings a sense of peace to your soul. When you get to the dirt road you are greeted with a magnificent view of the mountains.
After a trip into Ortona to walk around the port and see Castello Aragonese we returned home to relax and visit. We were treated to an amazing meal with pasta, mussels, clams, and other seafood; enough to fill you up for a long while. The fresh foods they use are filled with wonderful aromas and flavors.
It was difficult for our visit to end; first because we enjoyed our time with them so much, and also because this small, old Italian village made you feel at home. Perhaps a piece of it will return home with us.
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