As above, we are still enjoying the sweet life here in Monforte,and still discovering new places.

We did a day trip to the village of Mondovi, above. Mondovi has two parts , the lower town, and of course, the hill top centro storico! It was a surprise to us, not touristy at all, and the buildings were quite beautiful.

We took the funicular to the top, and of course as in every Italian village we found ABC’s. The Duomo was quite beautiful, and because it was quite a warm day, (any excuse) we sat in the gorgeous Piazza Maggiore and enjoyed a refreshment.

Many of the buildings had painted murals and sun dials on the facades.

We continued our drive and unexpectedly came across the striking Santuario di Vicoforte.

It’s claim to fame…..it has the largest elliptical dome in the world, it was quite spectacular.

In a “continuing attempt” to keep the waistlines somewhat under control, we went on another walk, from Castiglione Faletto to Serralunga, or from one hill top village to another. Of course that means down and then up , and on return down and up AGAIN.

 

 

 

After the first down and up, Greg’s knees required “icing” , but we survived , as did Greg’s knees!

 

 

That afternoon we successfully attempted another wine tasting at Concerto Fantino. Imagine our surprise when our fellow tasters were a couple from Melbourne!

We enjoyed a fabulous loooong lunch at a great Agriturismo called L’Angolo di Rosina in the nearby village of Novello.

Lunch was the usual process of pasta first, then mains , then dessert washed down with a bottle of red.Whilst the first 2 courses were fantastic, Greg’s dessert was sensational and Rhonda MADE him share half!

Yep . it’s the Tortino al Cioccolato, the one on the left! Yummo!

Yesterday we decided to let Greg have a “drive free” day, so we went with Giuseppe in his “Ape Calessino”, a real icon of the Itaian 60’s. Only 600 vehicles were made world wide!

We drove through the 5 villages of the Langa. Giuseppe took us to Papa dei Boschi’s , a hazelnut farm which has been operating for 3 generations.

 

It was actually really interesting and we learnt the process from the harvest ,to the roasting and the packaging. Of course there was some sampling at the conclusion and it was delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

We stopped for a great lunch and refreshments at the village of Roddi.

 

 

 

It was nice to have Giuseppe  take some photos of the 2 of us together for a change!

Sometimes there is just no where to set up a 10 second delay!

 

 

We have noticed how much the grapes have grown on the vines since we arrived 2 months ago! We can only imagine how beautiful the scenery would be in Autumn when all the vines change colour.

 

 

 

 

We went to the extremely colourful Cappella del Barolo. The chapel was originally built in 1914 as a shelter for the farmers but never consecrated. It was never used and fell into dis repair. In 1997 the owners decided to renovate the structure into a “Temple of Wine”.

They wanted to create something that would “attract people to spend a pleasant day, to sit, to drink a glass of wine, read a book, talk and even maybe pray a little”. It was quite unusual to say the least!

Of course the day finished with a wine tasting at Costa di Bussia, founded in 1847 by one of the pioneers of the wine growing area of Barolo.

We began in the right hand side, of course by passing the Chardy, and ending with Grappa. We had a fabulous day with Giuseppe , and if anyone is ever in the area this tour is a MUST!

Giuseppe’s web site is    http://www.laprimanellelanghe.com

After we arrived home we decided to head up to the square, as Friday night is Pizza Night and music! The DJ began with a Viennese waltz, then Dean Martin’s “Thats Amore”, then  “These Boots are Made For Walking”. Imagine our surprise when one hour later , Greg’s favourite “My Sharona” blared out! It was a great day and night!

So we have one week left here in beautiful Monforte. The weather is quite hot and humid , and we are not looking forward to that cold wet weather back home!

So it’s that time AGAIN!!!!!!

Ciao for now

Love Greg and Rhonda

xxxxxxx