Arpino

The town of Arpino has ancient origins. It dates back over 2000 years.

 Part of the reason Arpino has survived, is its location at the top of a hill/mountain.

 This is a medieval tower that overlooked and protected the town from invaders.

 This is the only remaining arch of its kind in the world. It is the entrance to Civitavecchia d'Arpino and one car can just squeeze through.

 One of the many overlooks, from which you can see the town of Arpino, shaped in an "x".

 In the ancient part of town, there are tiny streets and churches.

 Arpino is also home to many scholars. Throughout the town are poems by foreign poets who have visited Arpino. Their poems are inscribed on stones in their native language and then also in Italian.

 In the heart of Arpino, is this square and in the heart of the square you can see the ancient Roman road.

 If I'm not mistaken, this is Cicero, one of the most famous people from Arpino. Cicero lived during Roman times and is know for showing people around, hence the expression "fare da Cicerone".

 One of the many gates into the city. I believe this is called "la porta di Napoli" because the road led to Naples.

 One of the flags with Cicero on it.

 Another view of the square.

Arpino is a must-see in my mind, for its history, culture and beauty. It's amazing that the old walls have lasted 2000 years and the people still live there. There is a church devoted to the Madonna of Loreto because during the war (WWII) it is said that the town was covered in cloud and could not be bombed. The people believe that it was a miracle and devoted a church to this Madonna.

Food!

 Le ciambelle sorane. A form of bread that is made into a ring and famous in this part of Italy. They are first boiled, then baked. Two towns over, we make them a little softer with fennel as well.

 Well, you can't stop "progress" or the 24/7 drive-thru. I'm not lovin' it.

At the mercato we bought olives - and they let you taste them first to make sure you like the taste. My favorite are the "sweet" ones - similar to what we are used to, but in their natural "olive" color!

 At the mercato again, a fish monger. Notice the little touches of lemon and tomatoes for beauty!

 Another amazing part of the mercato are these huge trucks that turn into delis - we bought some rotisserie chickens for lunch, and some porchetta too! They take a whole pig, de-bone it, season it well, wrap it all up and then show roast it... And if you are lucky, they will throw in some free "skin" - crunchy and full of flavor!

La professoressa Picone is not only a great Italian and Latin teacher but also, a great cook. At her home we had home-made lasagna; the one on the left is traditional, the one on the right is "white" cream sauce and artichokes!
I hope that the artichokes I planted are growing!!

 Risotto con funghi porcini e salsa tartufata:
Rice with porcini mushrooms and black truffle sauce. Ummmmm!

 One of the best things about Italian restaurants is the vegetables: they always have a few grilled vegies, in season, to go with the grilled meats and other secondi piatti!

The man who promises me a cappuccino and cornetto with marmelata every morning will win my heart!

 It is really hard to find "Bresaola" in the USA  - it is a very lean cold-cut, served with arugula and parmigiano-reggiano cheese, topped with lemon and a drizzle of olive oil!
I could have this every day!

 Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! This one has an egg cooked on it. The pizzerias here have pages of pizza - bianca (white) and rossa (red) with anything you can (and haven't) imagined on. They are thin as cardboard and for one person.

 These are "real" clams for me - small, about the size of your thumb. Combined with some garlic, parsley, a little white wine and a ton of spaghetti.....
In the background, crostini, (toasted bread) with salmone and a pizza margherita.

 Dessert: con fragoline di bosco. They still appreciate wild strawberries and when you can find them on a dessert....

 Bruschetta! with tomatoes and arugula.

 An antipasto (that I had for lunch) of prosciutto, mozzarella, olive,  artichoke....

 Una bistecca... with lemon and arugula.

 Torta con frutti di bosco.
Cake with wild fruits (mixed berries).

Sacher torte - chocolate heaven (above)
and a cake rolled up with cream, chocolate, caramel and other bad, bad things!

Rome sweet Rome

Piazza del Popolo and the twin churches of Bernini. This wonderful piazza welcomes you into the heart "centro" of Rome! If you follow the road behind the obelisk, you will arrive at the Campidoglio, the monument to Victor Emanuel which also has the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Half way down the Via del Corso, if you turn left, you will arrive at the Spanish Steps, so named for the presence of the Spanish Embassy. At the top is a church and at the end of the month, there will be the annual fashion show with top models sauntering down both sides of this long and uneven stair case.

One  of the many souvenir shops will all kinds of displays to get you to enter their shop.

A trip to Rome is not possible without tossing a coin into the Trevi fountain, to ensure our return.

Once you arrive at the Campidoglio you are in the heart of ancient Rome. To the left the road takes you to the Colosseum, first passing by the remains of the forums.

Another view of the "typewriter"

The seat of Italian government. We were fortunate to have been given permission to enter and see the legislators at "work." If our leaders work anything like their Italian counterparts, no wonder why we are in crisis! As one person spoke, the rest had independent conversations, walked around..... They did take the time to recognize us during their session. Our guide was very good and showed us several incredibly beautiful rooms where the powers that be meet. He also gave us books about the legislature and some extras for my classroom!

 





No matter where you look there is  picture! This is near the Tiber.

 

We ended our long walk near the mouth of truth, at this pagan temple.

Fontechiari, luglio 2012

 This is the inside of the church of Santa Maria. When I lived in Italy it was closed because of a earthquake, but has since been reinforced and restructured. It is a very small church. In the corner on the right, you can see "La Madonna" that they parade through the town.

A prosciutto tree!! At the festa they were raffling off a prosciutto and hung it in the tree for everyone to see!

To the right is the bus of the band of the Vigili del Fuoco (Firemen). Last week at the horse show we saw the Polizia, Carabinieri and Escercito (Army) performing. It seems to me that all of these government organizations take pride in promoting what their members are good at.

Hard to see, but this is the band performing on a beautiful night, under the stars. 

The memorial in the main square for the citizens of Fontechiari

 A different view of the monument, from the large square built into the side of the town.

My aunt Filomena and I in the square, under an Oleander "tree."

There is a saying here, "L'america sta qua," and it is true: here at the festival are 4 Americans: myself, my aunt from Boston and another couple from Guilderland.